May 12, 2003
UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF EDUCATION BEST PRACTICES AWARDS
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has recognized five educators in its Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Exemplary Lessons initiative. Teachers from around the country submitted Holocaust education-based lesson plans evaluated by a panel of 8 master educators from the Museum’s education division and two consultants from Project Zero at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. Winning educators received a certificate of achievement and a cash award. Some of the lessons will be filmed in the classroom for subsequent presentation on the Museum’s Web site, www.ushmm.org. The winning teachers are:
- Joy Gray teaches Advanced Placement English, American Studies, and the elective Holocaust: the Results of Hatred at Kenston High School in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Ms. Gray attended the Museum’s Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Conference for Educators in 2001.
- Don Liebold teaches English at Loyola Academy in Milwaukee, WI. In 1999 he attended the Museum’s Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Conference for Educators.
- Laura Pritchard teaches English, honors English, and Research and Recitation at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy in Smithfield, VA. Ms. Pritchard is a 2002-2003 Museum Teacher Fellow.
- Dr. Joyce Witt teaches World History Since 1500, AP European History and International Relations at Highland Park High School, Highland Park, IL. Dr. Witt is a 1997-1998 Museum Teacher Fellow.
- Aimee Young, English teacher, Loudonville High School, Loudonville, OH. Ms. Young is a 2001-2002 Museum Teacher Fellow.
Entries were judged by historical accuracy; innovative approach; demand for student critical thinking; applicability for varying classrooms; use of Museum materials; consistency with Museum “Guidelines for Teaching About the Holocaust.”
“The Museum thanks all the educators who contributed a lesson for evaluation, and extends its congratulations to those whose plans were chosen,” says Warren Marcus, Director of Teacher Workshops at the Museum. “The lessons present a wide range of interesting methological approaches used in a variety of classrooms from around the country.”
The Museum aims to develop highly skilled Holocaust educators, trained in history and pedagogy, and support them with materials and techniques that are accurate and effective. The Museum holds teacher training workshops across the country throughout the year. Each summer, the Museum hosts the Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Conference for Educators for novice and experienced Holocaust educators. Additionally, 15 Museum Education Fellows visit the Museum annually for an intensive five-day workshop. Museum Fellows commit to playing a leading role in Holocaust education in their schools and communities. A number of educator support materials are available at www.ushmm.org, including sample lesson plans, an online teacher training workshop, a wealth of historical information, and more.
A public-private partnership, the Museum is a federal institution whose educational activities and outreach are made possible through private donations. More than 250,000 individuals, foundations, and corporations helped build the institution and currently support its programs and operations. For more information, visit www.ushmm.org.
