Professional Development for Educators

We will spend the day learning about Vancouver’s Jewish communities and the Oakridge neighbourhood, and how the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre and Jewish Museum and Archives of BC foster connections locally, as Holocaust history continues to be relevant today.

The day will take place inside and outside with the majority of the programming taking place inside the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, and end with an afternoon at Temple Sholom.

📆 Overview of the Day:

We will be spending the majority of the day inside at the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre located inside the Jewish Community Centre (41st and Oak), the day will end at Temple Sholom (55th Ave and Oak St).

This full-day session will take place rain or shine so please dress for the weather! Participants may encounter a variety of terrain including gravel, stairs, slopes. We will aim to minimize time spend outdoors based on the weather.

📝Supplies Needed: Weather-appropriate clothes, a reusable drink container with your own beverage, a pen and/or pencil, a hard surface to write on, and mobile or screen with Wi-Fi or data is optional.

🍎Snack and Lunch: A light breakfast and Lunch is provided by Nava.

All meals are Kosher. Lunch options will include tuna or salmon as meat choices, along with a vegetarian alternative. If you have any dietary restrictions (e.g., celiac, dairy-free, vegan) or food allergies, please be sure to indicate them on the sign-up form.

Please note this is a mask-friendly and scent-free event and that the starting and end points of this workshop are at different locations.

Registration closes on November 17th at noon or when sold out. Non-educators are welcome!

About the Speakers:

Lise Kirchner is the Director of Education at the VHEC, where she has worked in various capacities for over 25 years. Lise has extensive experience in the development and delivery of the VHEC’s educational programs, exhibitions and teaching resources. Her work has also included projects to enhance the accessibility and pedagogical use of the VHEC’s collection of artefacts, archival records and Holocaust testimonies. Lise studied history at the University of Victoria, law at the University of British Columbia and practiced workplace and human rights law in Vancouver before joining the VHEC.

Ellie Lawson is the Education Manager at the VHEC, responsible for the advancement and support of educational initiatives at the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre. She develops and delivers impactful programs for schools, professionals, the public and adult learners. Ellie began her career at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum and holds a master’s degree in public history from Indiana University Indianapolis, with expertise in Holocaust and genocide history.

Ada Alster is an archivist specializing in digital and community archives. She received a B.A. in Anthropology from Humboldt State University, in Arcata, California and a dual master’s degree in Archival Studies and Library and Information Studies from the University of British Columbia. Ada has experience working in libraries, archival institutions, and museums. Ada has worked at the VHEC since 2021, with a stint as a digital archivist at the Museum of Vancouver in 2023. Ada is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Gratz College and is dedicated to expanding her knowledge in the field.

Caitlin Donaldson is the Director of Collections & Exhibitions and is responsible for managing the preservation of and access to the records, archives, testimonies and museum collection of the VHEC, in support of the mandate of the Centre. In addition, she oversees the use of artefacts, archival materials and testimonies in exhibitions. Caitlin graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Arts in humanities and archaeology. She holds a Library & Information Technology diploma from Langara College

Elana Wenner is the Director of Programming and Development at the Jewish Museum & Archives of BC. With a background in Jewish education and community work, she is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of local Jewish history as tangible resources that continue to shape and nurture the broader cultural community both today and for generations to come.

Rabbi Carey Brown has been with Temple Sholom since 2011.

Professional Development Day (“Pro-D Day”) sessions are intended for current educators focusing on enriching their K-12 lesson plans/programming. VHF recognizes educators as a diverse field and not exclusive to district school teachers. We welcome all those whose field of work or employment/volunteer position impacts the education of K-12 children and youth. Please contact jessica@vancouverheritagefoundation.org if you have any questions regarding our Pro-D sessions. If you are not a current educator but are interested in the event, please sign up for the event waitlist.

The subject matter for this program will be focused on Holocaust education. The goal for this program is for educators to be able to take away information that will be of assistance to integrating Holocaust education into the classroom.