In many high schools across our state, Holocaust educators are facing the important task of building an elective course on the Holocaust and/or modern day genocide. On this page, we hope to provide support for those educators by providing examples of how others have created both literature and history elective courses. Every county, school, and study body is different, so we are providing different examples of course outlines and contact information for those educators who have created them. This way, teachers can build the best course possible for their students and work with fellow educators when needed for support.
Social Injustice: The Holocaust and Modern-Day Genocide
Laurie Schaefer, Mount Tabor High School
In Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, Laurie Schaefer developed this honors level elective literature course for 9-12 graders, where she has taught for the last twenty-five years. She became a USHMM Teaching Fellow in 2006, has led professional development in Holocaust education at the local, national, and international level, and is currently a member of the NC Council on the Holocaust, where she works with the education committee to develop resources for teachers and presents at workshops.
Social Injustice Course Outline
Email: lschaefer@wsfcs.k12.nc.us
Literature of the Holocaust
Karen Klaich, South Central High School (retired)
In Pitt County Schools, Karen Klaich designed this literature elective in 2004 with another teacher and the help of Dr. Michael Bassman, a child of survivors and a professor at East Carolina University. Karen is not only the co-director of teacher workshops for the NC Council on the Holocaust and a member of the Council, but also became a USHMM Museum Teacher Fellow in 2010. She helps coordinate the Council Bus trip each year and works with other organizations in NC to further Holocaust education.
Honors Literature of the Holocaust Syllabus and Reading List
Email: holocaustnceast@gmail.com
Holocaust and Genocide Studies
Lauren Piner, South Central High School
This course was developed by Lauren Piner as an elective in the Social Studies Department at South Central High School, where she has taught for nine years. In order to register for the course, students must be in 11th or 12th grade, and capable of honors-level work. Lauren is a member of the NC Council on the Holocaust, has attended the USHMM Belfer Conference, Centropa’s Summer Academy, and was a US Department of State Teachers for Global Classrooms Fellow.
Honors Literature of the Holocaust Syllabus and Reading List
NC Council on the Holocaust Teacher Workshops 