Join us in person or via Zoom!

This talk and discussion by Paula Ressler will focus on a special teaching and learning moment that occurred in a Holocaust literature course. The moment was initiated when a student told an important personal story linking historical antisemitism to its repercussions in the world today, demonstrating their courage and resilience. This story helped a teacher shape their pedagogy and inspired them to write the book Meaningful Encounters: Preparing Educators to Teach Holocaust Literature (Rowman & Littlefield 2019). The presentation is a way for this teacher to express gratitude toward their student and all who see the world as needing repair and engage in efforts for social change even when this work cannot be completed in their lifetimes.

Paula Ressler is co-author with Becca Chase of Meaningful Encounters. She is a current Northampton resident and a previous director of English Education at Illinois State University, where she taught English education, women’s and gender studies, Holocaust literature, and playwriting.

Teaching about the Holocaust presents one of the most formidable challenges teachers face. Meaningful Encounters is Paula Ressler and Becca Chase’s contribution to the efforts of those educators who wish to meet this challenge more knowledgeably and effectively. The book tells the story of a unique, inquiry-based English teacher education course focused on Holocaust literature taught from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Please register to receive the Zoom link if you would like to attend remotely.