Teaching the Holocaust Conference
Welcome to the Alabama Holocaust Education Center’s inaugural teacher conference designed for all educators, whether you are deeply experienced or preparing to teach this content for the first time.
This dynamic two-day experience features nationally recognized speakers, leading scholars, and expert practitioners in Holocaust education. Attendees will engage in inspiring keynote sessions and hands-on breakout workshops focused on meeting Alabama educational standards, mastering content, and implementing effective classroom strategies.
Join a statewide network of committed educators dedicated to shaping informed, compassionate, and engaged future citizens.
After attending this conference, you will leave with:
- Ready-to-use classroom resources
- Renewed confidence
- Meaningful professional connections
- The inspiration needed to help students understand the Holocaust and its relevance today
Grounded in best-practice pedagogy, research-based strategies, and powerful Holocaust Survivor testimony, this conference strengthens your ability to foster critical thinking, empathy, and moral courage.
Location
BJCC
Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex
2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd
Birmingham, AL 35203
Directions and parking information coming soon
Event Date and Time
June 2-3, 2026
Doors open: 7:30 AM
Conference: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Need a hotel? See below.
What's Included
- Continental breakfast daily
- Lunch provided
- PD credits through PowerSchool
- Access to our conference management software
Because of the generous support of our donors and sponsors, participants are able to attend this $750 program for only $35.
Scholarships are available to assist teachers with the registration fee if cost presents a hardship. Please email info@ahecinfo.org to request assistance.
No one will be turned away due to inability to pay; fee waivers are available. Email us at conference@ahecinfo.org.
Hotel Subsidy
To help make your attendance easier, AHEC is offering a limited number of hotel subsidies for teachers traveling from outside of Jefferson County.
We have reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate of $159 per night, and teachers who receive the subsidy will be reimbursed for Monday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 2.
When registering for the conference, simply check the box indicating that you need a hotel stay. Our Conference Coordinator will follow up with booking instructions.
At the conference, before checkout on Wednesday, you will receive a Visa gift card covering the cost of your hotel stay.
Space is limited, so we encourage early registration.
Make This Conference Your Own
Each day of the conference is thoughtfully designed to inspire, engage, and connect you with fellow educators. Your day will begin with a keynote presentation to set the tone and spark meaningful reflection, followed by a variety of breakout sessions that allow you to dive deeper into topics most relevant to your work.
All conference attendees will have access to PheedLoop, our conference management platform launching in March, which allows you to personalize your schedule, participate in one-on-one and group networking, and access content from all conference speakers—even sessions you’re unable to attend live.
June 2nd Keynote Speaker
Erin Gruwell
AHEC is honored to welcome Erin Gruwell, educator, advocate, and founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation, as our opening keynote speaker. Renowned for her groundbreaking work with the Freedom Writers, Erin transformed her classroom by using the history and lessons of the Holocaust to help her students confront intolerance, reckon with their own experiences, and discover the power of their voices.
Her bestselling book The Freedom Writers Diary inspired the major motion picture Freedom Writers, starring two-time Academy Award–winner Hilary Swank as Erin. Through her powerful storytelling and unwavering belief in the potential of every student, Erin shows how teaching difficult history can ignite empathy, resilience, and meaningful change in today’s classrooms.
June 3rd Keynote Speaker
Dr. Michael Berenbaum
AHEC is privileged to welcome Dr. Michael Berenbaum—renowned Holocaust scholar, author, and museum visionary—as the Day 2 opening keynote speaker. With a distinguished career that includes serving as Project Director for the creation of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and as a leading voice in Holocaust studies worldwide, Dr. Berenbaum has shaped how generations understand this history and its urgent moral lessons.
Breakout Speakers
Holocaust Survivor
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Echoes and Reflections
Centropa
Alabama Holocaust Education Center
Alabama Holocaust Education Center
Troy University
American Friends of
Yahad-In Unum
The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous
Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina
The Defiant Requiem Foundation
Check back often to see additional speakers we are adding!
Become a Sponsor
This important gathering can only happen through the generosity of our partners, whose support empowers teachers and ultimately students to develop critical thinking skills, understand history with depth, and grow into thoughtful, responsible citizens. To explore sponsorship opportunities, benefits, and event details, please email Sarah Mackintosh at sarah.mackintosh@ahecinfo.org.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
Keynote Sponsors
Meal & Beverage Sponsors
Registration Sponsors
Breakout Sponsors
Cinda & Larry Goldberg
Charlie and Sheri Perry
Teacher Sponsorship
