2026 Summer Seminars
Teaching the Holocaust , July 15-16 and Building Supportive Schools, July 28-29
We are grateful to the educators who took time from their much needed summer break to attend our summer seminars. They participated with interest and added so much to the discussions. We are also so grateful to the guest speakers, presenters, panelists, and professionals who took time from their busy work lives to share expertise, invite conversation, and offer what they have learned to help educators teach difficult topics with confidence and compassion, and build kind and effective classroom environments where all students feel valued, welcomed, and included. Our summer seminars have been a tradition from the very beginning. Assisting teachers to help students understand the importance of ensuring human rights for all people through thoughtful curriculum, welcoming classroom environments, honest and open discussion, and leading by example. We extend thank-you to all who volunteered to be present and learn together!
Participants Feedback from 2026
Teaching the Holocaust
“I’m thinking about all the incredible resources and information I have gained and how to implement them into my curriculum.”
“I was here a couple of years ago. But the introductory refresher was excellent. But the presentations that followed were new for me and all of them added a layer to the conference. The piece on the Jewish Resistance was helpful and encouraged me to look into it more. The piece on the Artifacts was very practical and useful for the classroom.” “You guys do a great job of mixing things up and I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions again.””
“This seminar provided valuable resources and connections that otherwise would not have been available.”
“I am so thankful to the donors who have made it possible for me to received the contact hours toward my recertification as a K-8 general education with an endorsement for my K-12 ESOL teachers’ certificates. This 2 day workshop is crucial for my education as well as my students’ education.”
“As an 76 year of age Asian woman my appearance is clear that I am Asian, however, my Jewish colleagues and students blend in and often identify as white/caucasian and it is imperative that we also help understand that the Holocaust happened and acknowledged.”
“The materials and resources to adapt this to be understandable to my 3rd graders is important to know that not only the African Americans are and have suffered. Also putting real people in front of us means it’s humanising each and everyone of us.”
“Again, thank you to the donors who have made this possible for me because as a teacher I only get one course reimbursed by my school and I wouldn’t have this opportunity to learn so I can teach this in my groups of multilingual students and all students.”
“Seminars like this are crucial for supporting teachers who face a daily minefield of conjecture and scrutiny. Although Holocaust education is mandated in Maine, it remains a controversial topic to teach. Access to knowledge, resources, and connections is vital for our efforts. This work is important and should not be overlooked or its significance diminished; perhaps one day, society will prevent the injustices of the past from being repeated.”
Building Supportive Schools
“I’m grateful for the resources and the time we’ve spent sharing and learning together.” “Mandy Levine’s while leading on being an ally is incredibly valuable. Remembering that Ally is a verb… I hope to have more courage for future uncomfortable moments.”
“Honestly… I enjoyed all of it, as I’ve never attended any professional development like it. The presenters were engaging and knowledgeable. They provided great opportunities for us to dig deeper into each topic.”
“Seriously… all of them. There is a lot to unpack, but Stephanie’s Uncovering Bias and Structural Inequities encourages me to go back to my district policies to really understand how I can use the language that has already been accepted to help support what I teach and why I teach it.”
We were able to offer this year’s seminar for free thanks to generous donors. If you’re comfortable, we’d love to hear how this experience was valuable to you and your teaching/work — your reflections help us thank our donors and make future programs possible.”
“Thank you very much. You’re organization, enthusiasm, knowledge, and support are greatly appreciated.”
“I have already reached out to multiple colleagues and my principal to tell them about this seminar. I will be meeting with my building administrator Monday morning… my hope is to encourage as many staff members to attend this workshop in the future.”
“Everytime I come to the HHRC I find myself becoming a better educator. I bring back what I can to my students.”
“Thank you for your grace and compassion over the past two days. Alex and Piper created a warm, welcoming and safe space which allowed us to have open and honest conversations regarding what can be very contentious events in our schools and communities.”