The Grand Erie District School Board has partnered with the Toronto Holocaust Museum to bring immersive learning to life, supporting Ontario’s updated grade 6 Social Studies and grade 10 History curriculum with a focus on Holocaust education.
This innovative collaboration grants Grand Erie employees access to hundreds of historical resources, allowing them to engage deeply with the complex history of the Holocaust. Participants gain insights that enhance their personal and professional understanding, with the initiative also extending to students, parents, and community members to foster broader connections.
JoAnna Roberto, Grand Erie’s Director of Education, emphasized the partnership’s value, stating, “This collaboration provides a unique opportunity for staff and students to connect, enrich learning experiences, and address the complex history of the Holocaust.”
The initiative includes professional development on topics such as human rights, world events, and contemporary Canadian issues, aligning with the board’s 2024-25 Annual Learning and Operating Plan and Multi-Year Strategic Plan.
Participants described the experience as transformative. Carrie Swartz, Director of Museum Experience, highlighted the program’s potential to inspire staff to apply their learning in meaningful ways.
Through in-person and virtual learning opportunities, educators are equipped to deliver critical lessons about history and civic responsibility, ensuring the impact reaches classrooms across the district.
Written by Jeremy Hall