Fellows in Focus – March 2022
Fellows in Focus
Peter Mysels
Where do you teach and what subject do you teach?
I am a high school social studies teacher at PA Distance Learning Charter School in Wexford, Pennsylvania. I teach History of the Holocaust, United States Government, and Honors Cultural and Literary Studies. Upon my first-year teaching at PA Distance Learning, I was tasked with creating and teaching a Holocaust studies course for high school students. In the six years that I have led this course, I have expanded it substantially and have collaborated with many organizations such as The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, The Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect, and The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous to bring my students’ learning experiences to life with rigorous and engaging lessons, virtual field trips, and Holocaust survivor assemblies.
How did you get involved with the JFR?
I was aware of the mission of the JFR, as well as the resources and opportunities they provide to educators through the research I’ve done over the years for my History of the Holocaust class. However, I first became involved with the JFR through a nomination from the director of my local Holocaust center, Lauren Bairnsfather of The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, to be a part of the JFR’s Summer Institute for Teachers in 2020. Due to the pandemic however, I participated in the program during the summer of 2021.
What drew you to the organization and its programming?
I was drawn in by the authenticity of the JFR and the connections they have to model educators and scholars. The actions that they take towards rescuers, survivors, and educators alike was always so inspiring to me. They are an organization that truly cares about spreading the importance of Holocaust education to the next generation and are willing to support educators of all walks of life in a multitude of manners to make that mission happen. I am always looking to offer more opportunities to my students and grow as an educator. I was very much looking forward to working with a cohort of Holocaust educators to learn how they are doing things in their settings and to learn from scholars in the field. A true sign of a great seminar is coming in thinking “what else is there to learn?” and leaving thinking “I have so much more to learn!”
What was the most compelling thing you learned as an Alfred Lerner Fellow?
The speakers at the 2021 Summer Institute were able to take some of the hardest hitting questions, common misconceptions of students, and often-overlooked aspects of Holocaust studies and present them in an engaging and easy-to-understand way.
One of the most compelling things I took away from my experiences becoming an Alfred Lerner Fellow is learning the importance of rephrasing the common student question of “Why didn’t the Jews just leave?” and helping them rethink it in order to answer the greater question at hand, such as “”Why did Germany make it so hard for Jews to leave?” or “Why did other nations such as the United States make it so difficult for refugees like the European Jews to enter their borders?”
Another compelling thing I learned from the JFR’s programs was the importance of setting the scene of the Holocaust, as in detailing the beginnings and origins, before digging into the Jewish ghettos, the camps, and liberation. It is essential that students understand the “how” and “why” something like the Holocaust was able to occur so that they can gain a greater and more sound understanding of the outcomes. One part that was very enlightening to learn more about was Hitler’s Volksgemeinschaft, or, “The People’s Community” that he pushed in order to warp the German people into supporting his goals.
What is your favorite memory from your participation in JFR programming?
I loved collaborating with my cohort during the Summer Institute. Everyone was so passionate about their field and open to sharing their experiences, perspectives, and resources. We had many opportunities for collaboration and group work, which I got a lot of value from. I love hearing other perspectives on content and other techniques of teaching. It helps me grow into a better educator. I still communicate with many members of the 2021 cohort and we share resources back and forth all the time!
How do you feel the Lerner fellowship has impacted your life, both personally and professionally?
The Lerner fellowship was just another reminder that there is so much more to learn. Hearing from master scholars in the field and collaborating with accomplished, veteran educators helped me see that my teaching journey and my dive into Holocaust studies has just begun. I can’t wait to see how I grow as an educator with more experiences with the JFR and how that will transpire into my students’ learning and their lives after school as they set off into the world around them.
Julie Klein
Where do you teach and what subject do you teach?
I teach at Trinity High School in River Forest, IL which is an all-girls Dominican college preparatory high school. I am the social studies department chair, and I also teach International Baccalaureate History of the Americas, US History, A History of American Immigration, and Women’s Studies.
How did you get involved with the JFR?
I first became involved in Holocaust education when I was contacted by Theodore Zev Weiss from the Holocaust Education Foundation of Northwestern University. He asked me to join him in extending the reach of HEF to high school teachers. As part of the 1998 summer fellowship program, I had my first immersion into intensive Holocaust education and understood the importance of Holocaust studies and why we must continue to honor the legacy of the Holocaust in our schools. When I returned to the classroom several years ago, I reached out to the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center (IHMEC) in Skokie, IL and became involved in professional development opportunities there. I also began taking students to the Museum several times a year. I was invited to join the education advisory committee where we work on developing curricula for field trips and student programming. As a result of this work, IHMEC nominated me for the JFR Fellowship.
What drew you to the organization and its programming?
I was thrilled to become a JFR fellow because I knew it would enhance my existing knowledge and provide an opportunity to learn from the most outstanding professors in the field of Holocaust and genocide studies. While I was initially disappointed that our fellowship last summer had to be remote, I quickly learned that there were “silver linings” in our situation as Stanlee was able to invite professors to present while they were all over the world.
What was the most compelling thing you learned as an Alfred Lerner Fellow?
As a high school teacher, I frequently field student questions about the role of the United States during WW2. There is a common misperception among students that the United States joined the war to save the Jews of Europe. It is essential that students learn the truth about American refugee policy during this time. To this end, I was especially drawn to Professor Daniel Greene’s lecture, “Impediments to Escape” that so clearly outlined all of the ways that Europe’s Jewish refugees were refused entry to the United States and other countries that could have assisted in saving thousands but chose not to. As a result of this lecture, I found ways to incorporate America’s refugee policy into my IB history unit on WW2 and my course on immigration. Students are astounded to learn about the ways that governments around the world made it nearly impossible for refugees to find sanctuary.
What is your favorite memory from your participation in JFR programming?
Stanlee was a magnificent host and was insistent that we have all the same experiences remotely that we would have had in person–even sending us “goody bags” of chocolate and nuts for us to enjoy while we were in sessions. I must admit that I had to get a pair of glasses with blue light lenses as a result of all the screen hours I logged between teaching on Zoom and attending the fellowship virtually! However, the most impactful experience was meeting (virtually) former JFR President Roman Kent and learning about his life story and his commitment to hakarat hatov, the searching out and recognition of goodness. I remain in awe of the work of the JFR to support Righteous Gentiles in need and for recognizing that there is goodness and hope even in the darkest of times.
How do you feel the Lerner fellowship has impacted your life, both personally and professionally?
While I have had many meaningful experiences in studying the Holocaust, I was struck by the magnitude of information that I didn’t know. I’m grateful to the JFR for providing such a comprehensive course of study so that I have even more ways to teach my students and enrich my courses as well as share new information with my colleagues. After the JFR fellowship, I attended a fellowship at the WW2 Museum in New Orleans, and I was grateful for the knowledge I had gained through the JFR and how it gave me a new perspective on America’s wartime strategy and refugee policies during this time.
Anything else you’d like to share with the JFR’s followers and supporters?
If given the opportunity to study as a JFR scholar, do it! You will be amazed by the work that educators and museum curators are engaging in all over the country. My colleagues in last summer’s fellowship were enthusiastic about sharing their own teaching pedagogy as well as engaging in academic conversation that has made me a better teacher. I am honored to be a JFR Fellow.
Stacia Dials
Can you tell us about yourself?
I was born in San Jose, Costa Rica and spent my younger years in various cities in Guatemala. My parents were missionaries and we returned to the United States when I was 9 years old and resided in Diamondhead, MS. I moved to Mobile, AL to further my education at the University of South Alabama.
Where do you teach and what subject do you teach?
I currently teach 10 and 11th grade English at Murphy
How did you get involved with the JFR?
I became involved with the JFR after attending my first Holocaust workshop for Hannah’s Suitcase in 2011.
What drew you to the organization and its programming?
I was drawn to the organization because of the immense support they provide educators in teaching the Holocaust. JFR provided me with many valuable resources for my classroom and my own personal education.
What was the most compelling thing you learned as an Alfred Lerner Fellow?
The most compelling experience for me as an Alfred Lerner Follower was the opportunity to attend The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous Summer Institute for Teachers at Columbia University in June of 2015. I was thrilled to participate in this intensive workshop that allowed me the opportunity to learn from leaders of the Jewish community and other educators. The information I gained from this institute has expanded my knowledge on this sacred topic and has allowed me to become a more thorough educator.
What is your favorite memory from your participation in JFR programming?
My favorite memories from my participation in JFR programming was the unforgettable experience of my students meeting the Holocaust survivor Agnes Tennenbaum. This was such a remarkable moment for me and my students. My students also enjoyed the opportunity to attend the Jewish Film Festival and meet Rabi Silverman who graciously welcomed my students into the temple and provided them with valuable information about the Jewish faith.
How do you feel the Lerner fellowship has impacted your life, both personally and professionally?
The Lerner Fellowship has impacted my life personally by enriching my education of the Holocaust and providing me opportunities that I would have never received otherwise. I would have never had the opportunity to meet a Holocaust survivor like a Agnes Tennenbaum or study with influential scholars at Columbia University if were not for the JFR. My professional life has been impacted because my students were able to use the resources from the Holocaust trunk and receive a more in-depth education about the Holocaust due to the education I received.
Nancy Hands
Where are you from?
I am originally from Dry Ridge, Kentucky. However, I have lived in Cincinnati, Ohio for the past 27 years.
Where do you teach and what subject do you teach?
I teach freshmen Modern World History at Anderson High School in Cincinnati
How did you get involved with the JFR?
I became involved with the JFR as a result of my participation in workshops and training programs through the Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center.
What drew you to the organization and its programming?
I was drawn to participating in the JFR program as a means to increasing my knowledge of teaching the Holocaust. I was also intrigued by the opportunity to attend presentations by Doris Bergen and Alexandra Zapruder.
What was the most compelling thing you learned as an Alfred Lerner Fellow?
One of the most compelling lessons I learned through participating in the JFR was the importance of telling the stories of survivors and rescuers. As survivors of the Holocaust pass, the JFR program helps teachers remember the importance of keeping the stories in the forefront.
What is your favorite memory from your participation in JFR programming?
My favorite memory of the program was the opportunity to meet Roman Kent! To hear him tell his story of his dog, Lala, was truly remarkable and unforgettable!
How do you feel the Lerner fellowship has impacted your life, both personally and professionally?
The Lerner fellowship has solidified my purpose to continue to teach the lessons of the Holocaust and to stop the spread of antisemitism. The JFR program has provided me with countless quality plans to share with my students and other teachers at my school. The stories from Salvaged Pages and the documentary of Roddie Edmonds have become a staple in my Holocaust unit. JFR is a tremendous opportunity for teachers to learn, share and collaborate the lessons of the Holocaust.
Haley Walker
Where do you teach and what subject do you teach?
I teach World History and Holocaust Studies at Irondale Middle School in Irondale, Alabama.
How did you get involved with the JFR?
I was invited by BHEC to apply for The JFR Summer Institute in 2020. However, I found out I was pregnant, and I had to put it off another year. I applied in 2020 for the Summer Institute for 2021. Upon completion of the Summer Institute, I was also able to attend the JFR advanced Seminar in January of 2022.
What was the most compelling thing you learned as an Alfred Lerner Fellow?
There were so many things that I learned that were really fascinating to me. In preparation for the Summer conference, I read about Babi Yar. The reading that was assigned on this topic really impacted me. I had never before heard of this part of the Holocaust. I was astounded at the actions that took place in the span of 2 days. It led me to do more research into the Holocaust by Bullets and places outside of Poland that participated in these atrocities. The survival story from Babi Yar was heart wrenching and has stuck with me ever since. Since the situation in Ukraine my Class has focused on that area over the past few weeks and I shared with them what happened there and the lasting impact it has had. The speakers at the Summer institute were amazing. I was in a total fangirl mode when we were able to hear from Alexandra Zapruder. She has made a major impact on my life without knowing it. I really enjoyed Paul Salmon’s discussion on using historical artifacts in class. Having students analyze the items is a great way to get students safely in and out of the topic which can be challenging with middle school students.
How do you feel the Lerner fellowship has impacted your life, both personally and professionally?
The Lerner Fellowship has impacted me in ways I still cannot fathom. I am able to teach a Holocaust studies class to my 8th graders. I have a better understanding of different aspects of the Holocaust. As a young person I began to study the Holocaust. I came into the JFR program with some knowledge. But I was so blown away by the expanse of information I had yet to learn. I still have so much more to learn.