In order to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust inspire action today, schools need empowered teachers. It was a core belief of Sam and Roma Kaltman, two Holocaust survivors who rebuilt their lives in Cincinnati and were passionate about Holocaust education. In their memory and with that mission in mind, the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center hosts the annual Roma & Sam Kaltman Teacher Fellowship for educators across the region.
“Teaching complex histories like the Holocaust can be isolating for educators,” said Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center Chief Learning Officer Lauren Karas. “It is important not only for teachers to have a firm grasp on how to approach this history with care and responsibility, but also to have a strong community of fellow Holocaust educators to lean on for support. This Fellowship provides both pedagogy and community; equipping educators with knowledge, perspective, and relationships that sustain them far beyond the program itself.”
In 2025, we hosted our largest cohort yet, with more than 40 educators from the region gathering at Union Terminal Nov. 14 and 15 to kick off the 2025 fellowship. Throughout the weekend, they were led through educational lectures, workshops, and discussions to help better shape their understanding of this topic and its surrounding conversations. Against the backdrop of Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. at historic Union Terminal, educators were able to hone in on the history of Auschwitz, specifically, and how they can meaningfully teach it to their students.
In addition to a complimentary visit to the exhibition and a question-and-answer session with Cincinnati-based Holocaust survivor Henry Fenichel, other sessions included:
- “Laying the Foundation for Holocaust Education”
- “Auschwitz in American Holocaust Memory”
- “Before & After Auschwitz: Understanding Jewish History, Identity, and Antisemitism in Context”
These discussions were led by members of the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center’s education team, along with curators of Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. Educators were also given curricular resources to take back to their classrooms.
To thank participants for their hard work and dedication to students across our region, the Holocaust & Humanity Center hosted them for Shabbat dinner at historic Union Terminal, where educators were able to connect with peers and enjoy a welcoming meal.
Teachers felt the impact. Anonymous feedback from participants include:
- “I really appreciated the lessons and original documents for use in the classroom. I also really love the Cincinnati tie in. As a Cincy native and a teacher in Cincinnati Public Schools, this is huge in bringing this history home for me and my students.”
- “This was the best professional development I have ever been to. The facilitator was by far the best presenter I have seen and really inspired me to dive into this topic with my students.”
- “I have developed a new way of thinking about how I will teach the Holocaust and give new meaning to my students.”
- “I absolutely gained a greater understanding of how I might approach Auschwitz when I teach the Holocaust. The discussion of how to teach about antisemitism was also really valuable.”
- “I already have used some materials from the Center before, but I definitely gained some more insight on how to contextualize them more effectively.”
The weekend was just as meaningful for Chief Learning Officer Lauren Karas.
“It was incredible to watch educators from different states, subject areas, and teaching contexts learn alongside one another and delve into such a complex and difficult history,” she said. “Seeing this program grow into a premier resource for Holocaust education in our region has been nothing short of inspiring.”
The weekend at Union Terminal was just the start of the program. Over the next few months, participants will complete assignments, from assigned reading to reflective responses. Educators will regroup virtually in December for a discussion with Paul Salmons, curator of Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. In January, they’ll gather in person to wrap up their fellowship, learning about how to teach their students to take the lessons of the Holocaust and use them to inspire upstanders today.
The Roma & Sam Kaltman Teacher Fellowship exists because the Kaltmans believed education can change the way future generations understand and respond to the world around them. If you’d like to learn more about the fellowship and other ways the Holocaust & Humanity Center supports educators, click here.
