FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES SUMMER SEMINAR

In July 2007, HEPRP hosted its sixth year Summer Seminar. The five day seminar provided an unprecedented opportunity for teachers to network within and across schools, disciplines and areas of expertise.

The seminar was entitled “Race and Membership.” Its broadest goal was to explore Facing History’s content and methodology by connecting history to the moral questions inherent in a study not only of violence, racism and anti-Semitism, but also of courage, caring and compassion. The Seminar used the Facing History resource book, Race and Membership in American History: The Eugenics Movement.

FHAO

Facing History and Ourselves (FHAO) is a national educational and professional development organization whose mission is to engage students of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice, and anti-Semitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry.

By studying the historical development and lessons of the Holocaust and other examples of collective violence, students make the essential connection between history and the moral choices they confront in their own lives.

For over thirty years, FHAO has been helping students and teachers confront the complexities of history in ways that promote critical thinking and moral behavior. FHAO uses the methods of the humanities—inquiry, analysis and interpretation—to teach about the human capacity for monumental evil and extraordinary courage.

Eligibility for Enrollment

These FHAO Summer Seminars are open to public, private, and parochial middle and high school teachers who are employed by schools located in New Haven and the Greater New Haven area. Enrollment is limited to 25 participants. If more than 25 educators apply, potential participants will be placed on a waiting list.

The Summer Seminars are free of charge for teachers in the Greater New Haven area. However, a $75 refundable deposit is required from all participants to hold their places in these Seminars. Checks will be returned to those who participate in the Seminar, but will be not be returned if enrollees decide not to attend. A light breakfast and lunch is provided to Institute participants each day.

Follow-Up Services

Resources
For most educators, the learning process does not end after the Summer Seminar. Many participate in follow-up programs including seminars, workshops, conferences and individual consultations with members of the HEPRP staff and the FHAO staff. They are also able to contact Summer Seminar facilitators and scholars who live in the local area.

They also may take advantage of the Facing History Resource Center, the Fortunoff Video Archive at Yale University, and the Department of Jewish Education Library at the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven.

Planning
The HEPRP Program Director and Program Coordinator staff the Holocaust Prejudice Reduction Program. The HEPRP staff consults with the Teacher Advisory Council and the HEPRP Advisory Board to gain awareness of the specific teacher needs, and programming opportunities for all teachers within the Greater New Haven area.

A needs assessment statement is provided to HEPRP Lead Teachers. Teachers provide feedback on the program's services in order to determine:
• which elements of the Program have been most helpful to them, and
• how the Program might better serve the educators' needs in the future.

To Register for the 2008 Summer Seminar, click here