The opportunity to attend the Holocaust Seminar through the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching was truly a life changing experience. As a high school history teacher, I thought I knew a great deal about the Holocaust and the events surrounding this historical atrocity. However, after visiting the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., I found out that there was so much I did not know. The three days spent inside the museum, touring the exhibits and learning from several experts in the field of Holocaust history, opened my eyes to so many ideas and perspectives that I had been missing.
From the minute, I walked into the museum; I was overwhelmed with emotion. Later, I would find out that the architectural design and materials used in the museum are a testament to the sights of what so many experienced during the Holocaust. The interactive exhibits detailed the accounts of what life was like for those oppressed. The videos, the artifacts, the personal testimonies, all served an important purpose in telling such a meaningful story. Honestly, there are no words to describe all of the emotions and thoughts that went through my head the first day of the tour, or the days that followed.
What made this journey unique, was being able to experience it with other educators from across our state. The bonds formed the rich discussions, and the questions asked and answered culminated into something that was authentic and powerful. There were many revelations that occurred each day of the seminar regarding content and perspectives. Each participant brought something different to the table regarding previous and new knowledge. From the long bus ride to DC and back, and a seminar in between, we all became an instant family of learners.
For me, the defining moment of the seminar was hearing the testimony of a Holocaust survivor, Nesse. As Nesse told her story about the concentration camps and the death march, what I had viewed in the museum became more real through her vivid, personal account. Nesse's story ended with hope, as she discussed her liberation; I don't think there was a dry eye in the room! Her final remarks proved most powerful as she challenged us all as educators to make sure that something like this never happened again. Her inspiration further fueled my fire to want to get back to my classroom and begin telling my students what I had experienced.
NCCAT's Peter, Sandra, and Lena were great hosts throughout the week, creating an agenda that was worthwhile and memorable. The resources provided by the museum staff will prove useful to me, especially in the spring semester as I teach American History II and AP US History. Once I returned to my school, I shared my experience right away with both my students and fellow colleagues; many of my students had great questions and even started their research projects to learn more! I am excited about what the future holds as I teach Holocaust education to my future students.
My experience would not have been possible without the financial support of the George R. Brinson Honored Educator Scholarship. I am thankful for all the donors who place an importance on teacher education. This once in a lifetime opportunity has made a lasting impact on my effectiveness as a teacher and for that I am grateful. Thank you to NCCAT for offering these amazing seminars; I look forward to my next adventure with you!
Pictured is Mr. Gaskill receiving his award from NCCAT Center Fellow, Peter Julius.
