The Educator in Motion program (EIM) is a FREE initiative that sends museum educators to schools to provide educational programming on the Holocaust, antisemitism, and active citizenship.
Integrating social studies, language arts, and fine arts concepts, EIM programs enhance student content knowledge and critical thinking skills while supporting the development of individual and civic responsibility in K-12 classrooms. Students work directly with a museum educator and participate in interactive activities that explore the lessons of the Holocaust, human rights throughout history, and the role of individuals in society today.
Each Educator in Motion program is designed to be presented in a class period and can be adapted to fit your classroom schedule. We can visit your campus for each class period all day, a single class period, or anything in between. Programs can be adapted to work with one or more classes at a time – there are no minimum or maximum requirements for number of participants.
All EIM programs can be presented in English or Spanish and are in alignment with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards.
In person programs are available throughout the Greater Houston Area. Virtual versions of all our programs are available anywhere else.
For more information or to schedule a program for your campus, please email education@hmh.org.
The Educator in Motion program would like to thank the following donors for their generous support: Abigail Daniels and Debbie Tummins Endowment Fund, Arline Guefen Endowment Fund, Frances and Louis Gordon Endowment Fund, George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation, Herman Harris Fleishman Foundation, Jake and Nina Kamin Educational Outreach Endowment Fund, Robert & Pearl Knox Charitable Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, Lillian Kaiser Lewis Foundation, M.D. Anderson Foundation, Nicole and Glenn Lowenstein Educator in Motion Education Endowment, Polly and David Roth Education Endowment Fund, Radoff Family, Ron Grabois Family Endowment Fund, Strake Foundation, and Vivian L. Smith Foundation
2024-2025 PROGRAM OPTIONS
Photo Credit: Watkins Middle School
MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS (GRADES 6 – 12)
Images of the Holocaust
Through analysis of primary sources such as photographs, maps, and political cartoons, students explore a historical overview of the Holocaust from the Treaty of Versailles to the end of World War II. This program is best suited for students with limited to moderate knowledge of the Holocaust and is appropriate for grades 6–12.
Personal Narratives of the Holocaust
Through diaries and video testimony, students discover the personal stories and experiences of Jewish people during the Holocaust. This program is best suited for students with limited to moderate knowledge of the Holocaust and is appropriate for grades 6–12.
The Jewish Refugee Crisis and the World’s Response
Students examine the obstacles and challenges of Jewish emigration under the Nazi regime and the ensuing refugee crisis prior to the outbreak of WWII with a particular focus on U.S. policy. For smaller groups, this program includes a primary source analysis activity utilizing newspaper reports about the voyage of the St. Louis. This program is best suited for students who understand the core facts of the Holocaust and is appropriate for grades 6 –12.
The Possibility of Individual Choice: Upstanders during the Holocaust
Students explore stories of rescue and resistance during the Holocaust and the courageous individuals whose actions saved lives during a time of injustice. They are encouraged to consider how their own choices impact the lives of the people around them. This program is best suited for students who understand the core facts of the Holocaust and is appropriate for grades 6–12.
Art of the Holocaust
Through the analysis and interpretation of artwork created by Jewish artists living under the Nazis, students consider the role of art during times of injustice and how these visual voices shed light on the personal experiences of Jewish people during the Holocaust. This program uses an image analysis strategy to guide students in a deep exploration of art pieces covering the major events of the Holocaust. This program can be tailored for students with limited to extensive knowledge of the Holocaust and is appropriate for grades 6–12.
Teen Leadership: Lessons from the Holocaust
Utilizing primary sources, students explore case studies of individual decision-making before and during the Holocaust to prompt discussion about bullying, individual behavior, and active citizenship. Students consider their own responsibilities and choices and the power of individuals to make change. This program is best suited for students who understand the core facts of the Holocaust and is appropriate for grades 7–12. Please note that this activity works best with smaller groups.
Introduction to Antisemitism
Students are introduced to the concept of antisemitism throughout history through the ideas of stereotyping and conspiracy theories. Students also learn strategies for responding to antisemitism and other forms of hate speech. This program is best suited for students who understand the core facts of the Holocaust and is appropriate for grades 6–12.
Contemporary Genocides
Beginning with a historical overview of genocides prior to the Holocaust, students examine and analyze the United Nation’s Genocide Convention as well as the advantages and challenges of this document. This program includes an interactive activity in which students investigate case studies of atrocities after the Holocaust and determine if a genocide occurred there according to the UN Genocide Convention. This program is appropriate for grades 9-12.
Human Rights
Students are introduced to the evolution of human rights throughout history and the development of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the aftermath of the Holocaust. Through interactive activities, students identify the importance of human rights, explore the difference between rights and laws, and meet Upstanders who have promoted human rights around the world. This program is appropriate for grades 6-12.
“Building Upstanders” | Photo Credit: de Santiago EC/PK & Head Start Center
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAMS (GRADES PRE-K – 5)
Please note that our elementary programs have changed to the programs listed below. Due to high demand, we are prioritizing 4th and 5th grade elementary groups this year. If you would like us to work with K-3 classrooms, please try to book at least three weeks in advance for the best chance of an available spot.
Standing Up to Bullying
In the Standing Up to Bullying program (previously called All Behaviors Count), students consider the impact of bullying on their classmates, school, and community. Through interactive discussions, videos, and activities, students learn to identify harmful behaviors, develop strategies to help them intervene as empowered Upstanders, and brainstorm actions they can take to build positive and inclusive communities. This program is appropriate for grades K-5.
In Their Footsteps: The Holocaust in Five Lives
Through the stories of five young people living through the tumultuous period of WWII, elementary students are introduced to the Holocaust in an age-appropriate way. Topics include pre-war Jewish life, what it means to be Jewish, the rise to power of the Nazis, the beginning of the war, surviving in hiding, and rebuilding lives in the aftermath of atrocity. Students are encouraged to ask appropriate questions and make connections to what they have learned. This program is appropriate for grades 4-5.
