Using the Lens of the Holocaust to Examine Local Human Rights Issues

Date: June 23-25, 2025

Location: Fargo, North Dakota

This seminar equips educators with strategies for impactful Holocaust and human rights education by highlighting pedagogical foundations for Holocaust instruction, emphasizing  writing to learn, connect, and reflect, and exploring local ties to this history to engage today’s learners.

  • Option to receive 2 continuing education credits through North Dakota State University
  • Educators will use the lens of the Holocaust to explore local human rights issues
  • Hear from Indigenous and Jewish leaders in the region
  • Receive resources to integrate the study of the Holocaust, genocide, and the history of Native American tribes in North Dakota into their classrooms

In partnership with North Dakota State University Office of Teaching and Learning.

Leaders

  • Brita Bostad Kienzle

    Brita Bostad Kienzle is a North Dakota educator with over 12 years of experience teaching English to grades 8-12, including five years as an English Learner specialist. A National Board Certified teacher in English Language Arts, she integrates Holocaust education into her language arts curriculum each year. She has developed her expertise through participation in several selective professional development programs, including a 2017 teacher fellowship with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the 2019 Olga Lengyel Institute for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights (TOLI) seminar in New York City, the 2024 TOLI Atlanta Leadership Seminar, and the 2023 Power of Place European Summer Institute for Educators, which took place across Germany, Poland, and Norway.

  • Jacob Kienzle

    Jacob Kienzle is the Dean of Students at Discovery Middle School. Before becoming a Dean, he spent eight years in education, teaching Language Arts in grades 6-8. Jacob has integrated Holocaust education into his curriculum with students, aspiring teachers, and staff. His Holocaust knowledge has been supported by his participation in numerous programs, becoming a 2017 United States Holocaust Museum Teacher Fellow and attending both The Olga Lengyel Institute for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights 2019 New York City Seminar and the 2024 Atlanta Leadership Seminar. Additionally, Jacob has been a Restorative Practices and Circle facilitator for the past four years, working closely with both students and staff to promote healing, understanding, and positive conflict resolution.