Bridging Histories from the Holocaust to Present Day: Fostering Dialogue and Understanding

Date: June 9-13, 2025

Location: Pocatello, Idaho

The seminar’s focus is on creating respectful spaces for both civil dialogue and historical truth. The curriculum is designed to have teachers explore history and reflect on how that history affects multiple groups of people.

After engaging in meaningful study of the Holocaust, teachers will learn from presenters addressing cultural paradigms, antisemitism, conflict resolution, and the development of interfaith communities. The seminar sponsors a trip to the Refugee Resettlement Office in Twin Falls and a visit to the Minidoka National Historic Site. Participants will have a Q & A and dinner with an interfaith committee.

 

 

This seminar is in partnership with Boise State Writing Project, Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, Idaho Humanities Council, Idaho Department of Education, and Pocatello/Chubbuck School District #25.

          

Leaders

  • John Poole

    John Poole has taught English/language arts for 10 years and was an administrator at alternative high schools for 9 years. He has been a professor of English education at BYU-Idaho for the last 10 years. He has been involved in Holocaust education since he attended the TOLI summer seminar in 2017. He is pursuing a PhD in Holocaust and Genocide Studies from Gratz College.

  • Kristen Glenn

    Kristen Glenn has taught English Language Arts for 20 years: 5 years with at risk students in public schools and 15 years as a professor at BYU Idaho. She has been involved in Holocaust education since attending the TOLI seminar in 2022, but has been involved in social justice education for many years. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in conflict management and leadership.