This award, which is administered annually by Cohen Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Keene State College, recognizes a teacher who has made outstanding contributions to Holocaust and genocide education in New Hampshire. Education is vital to building a world free of antisemitism, intolerance, and hatred, and this award spotlights teachers who are building a better world through their positive impact on their students, their schools, and, by extension, their communities.
Eligibility
- Nominees must be currently employed as an 8th-12th grade educator at any public or private school in New Hampshire. Teachers from any subject area may be nominated.
- Nominees must have a minimum of three years of teaching experience as well as a proven record of teaching the Holocaust and/or genocide (at least one completed course/unit).
Criteria
Nominees who meet the eligibility criteria will be evaluated based upon:
- The depth/scope of their teaching about the Holocaust and/or genocide (this might include the number of courses or units taught, interdisciplinary engagement with colleagues, or other factors)
- The demonstrable impact of their teaching on students (including supporting evidence such as number of students reached, student reflections/testimonies, community-wide events, etc.)
- Their ongoing participation in training or professional development in Holocaust and genocide education (workshops, conferences, symposia, or other avenues)
- Their creative or innovative ways of engaging with best practices in Holocaust and genocide education
Nominations/Applications
Teachers may be nominated by a student, a colleague, a school administrator, or they can self-nominate. The online application form will require a letter of recommendation (addressing the criteria noted above) and will also provide the opportunity to submit supporting documents or files.
Teachers who are nominated by others will be contacted in advance of the full review of applications and invited to submit additional materials in support of their nomination if desired. Supporting materials might include a sample lesson plan, testimonials for students or colleagues, or other items.
Review of Applications
Applications will be reviewed by the Cohen Institute Director, Coordinator of Educational Outreach, and a small committee of additional reviewers. If you would like to see a copy of the rubric that is used to evaluate submissions in advance of the due date, please email cohencenter@keene.edu. Please note that our committee is not able to provide personalized feedback, notes, or scores for submissions.
Award
This award carries a monetary prize of $500, to be paid directly to the awardee. Please note the monetary prize is subject to taxation in accordance with federal laws.
Schedule and Submissions for 2025 Award:
- Nominations are due by March 17, 2025.
- Teachers nominated by others must submit any additional supporting materials by March 24, 2025
- Award winner will be notified by April 7, 2025.
- Award ceremony will be held on April 17, 2025.
