Teaching the Holocaust Conference 2026

A Landmark Gathering for Holocaust Education in Alabama

223 Attendees.
38 Counties.
One Shared Commitment to Holocaust Education.

On June 2-3, 2026, the Alabama Holocaust Education Center welcomed 223 attendees, administrators, and education professionals from 38 counties across Alabama for our inaugural Teaching the Holocaust Conference. What began as a vision to support educators in implementing Alabama’s new Holocaust education standards became a powerful statewide gathering of professionals committed to ensuring students learn this history with accuracy, empathy, and purpose.

Over two inspiring days, attendees learned from nationally recognized scholars, classroom educators, and thought leaders in Holocaust education. Together, they explored historical content, instructional strategies, and practical resources designed to help educators bring this important history into their classrooms with confidence.

By the Numbers

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Attendees

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Alabama Counties Represented

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Days of Learning & Collaboration

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Keynote Speakers, Scholars, & Experts

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Breakout Sessions

Countless

New connections & conversations

As Alabama prepares to implement some of the most comprehensive Holocaust education standards in the nation, educators left equipped with new knowledge, practical tools, and a statewide network of colleagues dedicated to this work.

What Educators Had to Say

"This was one of the most well-organized conferences I have attended. From the communication you sent to attendees before and during the conference, to the amount of volunteers, to the wonderful content itself with all the speakers and Pinchas Gutter, I could go on, but this was one of the best two-day conferences I have ever attended."

"The resources, expertise, and support provided during this conference will immediately impact my classroom."

"I left inspired, informed, and grateful to be part of a community committed to helping students understand the lessons of the Holocaust."

Conference Speakers

Each day of the conference was thoughtfully designed to inspire, engage, and connect our educators. Participants began each morning with powerful keynote presentations that challenged and inspired, setting the stage for meaningful learning throughout the day. They then had the opportunity to learn from an outstanding lineup of local and nationally recognized scholars, historians, educators, and practitioners through a wide variety of breakout sessions that explored Holocaust history, effective instructional strategies, and meaningful connections to today’s world.

Keynote Seakers

Erin Gruwell, Freedom Writers

Dr. Michael Berenbaum

Breakout Session Speakers:

Dr. Lauren Bairnsfather, The Anne Frank Center USA
Jeremy Campbell, AHEC’s Max & Betty Steinmetz Teacher Fellow
Robin Cook, AHEC’s Max & Betty Steinmetz Teacher Fellow
Rebecca Erbelding, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Jennifer Goss, Echoes and Reflections
Lauren Granite, Centropa
Haley Guepet, The National World War II Museum
Amy McDonald, AHEC
Katie Meade, The Anne Frank Center USA
Ann Mollengarden, AHEC
Jessica Moulton, AHEC’s Max & Betty Steinmetz Teacher Fellow
Margaret Pickett, AHEC’s Max & Betty Steinmetz Teacher Fellow
Dan Puckett, Troy University
Amy Riggins, AHEC’s Max & Betty Steinmetz Teacher Fellow
Ewa Schaller, American Friends of Yahad-In Unum
Stanlee Stahl, The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous
Mindy Walker, AHEC’s Max & Betty Steinmetz Teacher Fellow
Alexandra Zapruder, The Defiant Requiem Foundation

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Keynote Sponsors

Meal & Beverage Sponsors

Registration Sponsors

Lisa and Alan Engel Foundation

Breakout Sponsors

Cinda & Larry Goldberg
Charlie and Sheri Perry
Barbara and Stuart Royal Education Fund

Teacher Sponsorship

Nall Whatley Foundation