Onsite Program: Think Higher Feel Deeper: Holocaust Education in the Secondary Classroom

For Grades 7-12

Session 1 | 1:00 PM Holocaust Education: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

As Holocaust denial, distortion, and antisemitism rise globally, educating about how and why the Holocaust happened and the ongoing dangers of hatred have never been more urgent. So how do educators in today’s classroom teach about the Holocaust, often a daunting task, that counters misconceptions, addresses common challenges, and does so in an edifying and empowering way?

Join Dr. Mark Gudgel as he answers these questions and more, sharing lessons from his new book, Think Higher, Feel Deeper – advice he once received from the late Elie Wiesel. In conversation with Kelley Szany, Senior Vice President of Education & Exhibitions (IHMEC), Gudgel will candidly share lessons learned from over 18 years teaching about the Holocaust in public schools, obstacles facing teachers today, and trends – both the good and bad – in education.  Whether a classroom teacher, a parent or grandparent, a student, or curious about the state of Holocaust education today, this conversation is not to be missed.   

Session 2 | 3:00 PM Think Higher Feel Deeper: Holocaust Education in the Secondary Classroom

Approaching the Holocaust in your classroom can be a difficult, even a daunting task. Join Dr. Mark Gudgel for a special interactive workshop on his most recent book, Think Higher Feel Deeper: Holocaust Education in the Secondary Classroom. This practical guide for English and Social Studies teachers features lessons learned from Gudgel’s 18 years of experience teaching the subject in public schools, as well as his work with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Participants will learn strategies for incorporating film into their classrooms and how to address common challenges and questions, including correcting misconceptions and discussing genocide with secondary students. Drawing on best practices through a lens of inquiry, pedagogy, and personal experience, the workshop will use real-life classroom examples and actionable teaching advice.

“Think Higher, Feel Deeper” is a stunning achievement that should quickly become an indispensable guidepost for educators.  A remarkably fresh, candid, and compassionate inside view of both the challenges and moments that come with teaching about the Holocaust and genocide.  Gudgel not only touches your heart, makes you laugh and cry, but leaves you empowered with an understanding that as an educator you can truly have an impact. I will continue to come back to this book over and over again. – Kelley H Szany, Senior Vice President of Education & Exhibitions, Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

Workshop includes:

• 3 Clock Hours/CPDUs
• Refreshments
• Copy of “Think Higher, Feel Deeper”

To receive Clock Hours teachers must attend both sessions at the Museum.

Presenters:

Dr. Mark Gudgel spent eighteen years teaching in public high schools in Nebraska, where he taught Literature of the Holocaust, Honors Humanities: 20th Century Genocides, Senior English, and World Religions. Gudgel co-founded the Educators’ Institute for Human Rights with friend and colleague Drew Beiter, and spent six years working in Rwanda. A Fulbright Scholar and fellow of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and Imperial War Museum, Gudgel’s research focuses on Holocaust and human rights education. Presently, Gudgel is a Fund For Teachers Fellow, doing research on the Sarajevo Roses in Bosnia, and he recently accepted a full-time professorship at the College of Saint Mary.