Central Valley Holocaust Educators Network

CVHEN to me, is a life changing and life affirming organization. With the backing and support of Liz and CVHEN, I am fulfilling my mission in life, to help educate others on the horrors of the Holocaust. This organization teaches teachers how to overcome their concerns about teaching the topic, and it allows for growth and a safe learning environment. It is also a venue to allow descendants of Holocaust survivors to come together and learn and share and heal. This is the cornerstone for all of us to build on in the Central Valley, and without it we would not have our guiding star to light the way.

Working with the Central Valley Holocaust Educators' Network has powerfully improved my teaching. The CVHEN materials and approach are very engaging and utilize best practices in History-Social Science and English curriculum and instruction. The volunteers that make CVHEN happen are accessible and knowledgeable.
This is a wonderful and responsive organization. THANK YOU, CVHEN!

I directed "I Never Saw Another Butterfly" for the Sacramento Theatre Company in the Spring of 2020. In preparation for the show, I felt daunted with the task of representing such a profound, vast, and deeply personal history in the show. I heard about CVHEN through one of the cast members' parents, and it could not have turned out for the better. Not only were they professional, responsive, and knowledgeable, but also they went above and beyond to make sure that the students had the best experience possible and that I felt secure in teaching curriculum about the Holocaust. I would highly recommend CVHEN to any teacher, director, or education manager who wants to open up their students' eyes to the Holocaust in a way that will enlighten each students' perspective on history, the world, and themselves.

This year I have developed not only my knowledge of teaching the Holocaust to students, but also my leadership abilities. Through CVHEN I have been able to work with like-minded teachers and educators in developing lessons and units of study to help my classes and others. I was able to help facilitate two workshops which was great experience for me as I will be leading many workshops next year in the adoption of Common Core State Standards. Working with CVHEN and the support of my mentors and fellow teachers has given me confidence and such great support to continue the difficult task of teaching this subject. I was even more prepared this year going in to my final unit of Night that I ran out of time and had to decide which lessons were most important. Thank you to Liz for all your encouragement and support and also coming to speak to my students. Tosha, thank you for all your reminders and support throughout my research and development of my unit. I cannot wait to be a teacher-leader and share with others what you have shared with me.

I have been teaching about the Holocaust for many years in my 8th grade classroom. I felt like the material that was given to me through the District did not do justice to the subject matter. I turned to CVHEN and my world opened up. Through the training that they offer, in coordination with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, I have become so much better versed in the subject. The curriculum I have developed with the support of CVHEN provides my students with so much more depth than what they had before. They don't just read the Diary of Anne Frank play anymore and call that "Holocaust education." Instead they critically analyze propaganda, study primary source diaries, critically analyze Night by Elie Wiesel, listen to speakers, and in the end, commit to assuring that this horrible tragedy never happens again. I could not have grown this much without the support and training from this amazing organization.