Why Holocaust Education Matters: Reflections from TJMHC’s 2026 Educators' Conference

From the Desk of Emily S. Hager, Director of Programming & Education

As I reflect on Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center's Educators' Conference, I find myself feeling both grateful and energized. This was the first Educators' Conference I had the privilege of organizing as Director of Programming and Education, and watching educators from across Southern Arizona spend two days learning, asking thoughtful questions, and engaging deeply with one another affirmed exactly why this work matters: for the remarkable educators who are committed to ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are taught to their students with accuracy, understanding, and purpose.

This year's two-day workshop brought together teachers from across Southern Arizona, traveling as far away as San Manuel and Vail, to deepen their understanding of Holocaust education and to build confidence in teaching one of history's most challenging subjects. Arizona state mandates require instruction on the Holocaust or other genocides, yet many teachers receive little formal preparation and few curricular resources to help them navigate these complex topics in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.

That gap is exactly why our annual Educators' Conference exists.

Over two days, participants engaged with nationally recognized materials from Echoes & Reflections, one of the country's leading Holocaust education programs. Together, we explored historical antisemitism, contemporary antisemitism, media literacy, and approaches to teaching the Holocaust through the humanities. These sessions encouraged educators to move beyond teaching just dates and facts, and to urge students to examine individual choices, ethical responsibility, and the enduring impact of prejudice and hate.

Throughout the conference, one message surfaced repeatedly: teachers want to do this work well and with the utmost respect. They recognize the importance of Holocaust education and understand its relevance to today's students. What they often lack are opportunities like this, in spaces where they can ask difficult questions, collaborate with colleagues, and receive guidance from experienced educators.

Our opening session of the conference was an introduction to Judaism. Here at TJMHC, we believe that effective Holocaust education requires more than teaching about persecution and destruction. It also requires understanding the vibrant Jewish life, culture, traditions, and history that existed before the Holocaust and how Judaism continues to thrive today. By giving educators a stronger foundation in Judaism, we hope they leave better equipped to present Jewish history as more than “just” a story of tragedy.

Our media literacy session felt especially timely. Our museum's newest installment, Media Matters: Cutting Through the Noise in the Langer Contemporary Human Rights Exhibit, examines the role of media in shaping public opinion. The exhibit explains how the media influences our perception of the world, and educators had the opportunity to explore how information, misinformation, and propaganda influenced public understanding during the Holocaust. Educators were encouraged to foster their students' critical thinking skills, as it is essential for students navigating today's digital landscape, where “answers” are available within seconds—but how do we know the “answer” is a fact? These are challenging landscapes to navigate, and by making students more aware of their media consumption, we can foster a better understanding of the actual world around us.

Holocaust education is not simply about preserving the memory of the past. It equips students with the tools to recognize antisemitism, challenge misinformation, evaluate sources critically, and understand the consequences of hatred and indifference. These are skills that extend far beyond a classroom.

As educators return to their schools this fall, the impact of these two days will ripple outward to hundreds of students across Southern Arizona. Every classroom conversation rooted in historical accuracy, thoughtful discussion, and fostering empathy helps build a future where the lessons of the Holocaust continue to matter.

At Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center, we are honored to support Arizona's educators in this work. As Holocaust education pedagogy continues to evolve, our commitment remains the same: to provide teachers with the resources, training, and the community they need to teach this history with confidence and care.

Because when we invest in educators, we invest in every student who will carry these lessons into the future.