Artwork by Barbara Yelin

Remembering one of the darkest and most horrific events in human history

Given the alarming rise in antisemitism, both nationally and internationally, Holocaust education plays a vital role in countering hatred and historical misinformation. This program presents a critical pathway to contextualize traumatic histories and promote a more peaceful and equitable future. By exposing the dangers of dehumanization and discrimination, it provides an important platform for combating these threats and safeguarding democracies worldwide.

Gain the skills to develop age-appropriate, trauma-informed teaching materials to convey the stories and voices of the Holocaust with empathy and sensitivity.

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Program description

The Micro-certificate in Teaching the Holocaust offers a specialized pathway for in-service teachers preparing to integrate Holocaust education into the BC secondary school curriculum as mandated by Premier David Eby and the BC Government for the 2025/26 school year. Developed in collaboration with leading Holocaust educators, this non-credit micro-certificate examines the origins, progression, central characters, key sites and enduring legacies of the Holocaust, one of the most horrific events of the twentieth century. This program familiarizes teachers with this subject matter, introduces them to the latest scholarship and provides grade-appropriate resources for their classrooms.

The Holocaust was the systematic mass murder of European Jews by the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II. This program prioritizes Jewish experiences of Nazi terror while also exploring how Nazi racial policy targeted other social and ethnic groups. Additionally, it examines post-1945 representations to understand the ongoing significance of the Holocaust, including the graphic narrative But I Live, edited by Dr. Charlotte Schallié, a professor of Germanic Studies at the University of Victoria. Critically, learners will also have the opportunity to hear the testimony of Julius Maslovat, a child Holocaust survivor living in Victoria, BC.

Participants will engage in critical reflection on moral and ethical issues, cultivating essential knowledge and skills for facilitating nuanced, age-appropriate, and trauma-informed learning experiences for diverse learners. Graduates will gain insights into key issues surrounding racism, discrimination and human rights violations, enabling them to navigate a diverse range of topics with enhanced empathy, sensitivity and understanding. These transferable skills play a pivotal role in conveying to students the profound impacts of discrimination and in empowering them to become informed and compassionate global citizens.

Program highlights


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Online Flexibility
This program is delivered online, allowing you to work independently within deadlines set by your instructor. With this format, you don't have to worry about travel or scheduling conflicts while you study. You can work at your own pace, on your own schedule and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

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Credibility
The University of Victoria is one of Canada's leading universities, recognized for preparing students for careers in a wide range of disciplines. Upon successful completion of this program you will receive a Micro-certificate.

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Manageable
Our Teaching the Holocaust program is designed with a busy lifestyle in mind. Learn at your own pace, set personal deadlines and propel your career journey forward.

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Subsidized Costs
In-service and pre-service teachers are eligible for 50% subsidy.

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Teaching Talent
Our instructors are industry professionals with years of experience. They’re dedicated to helping you develop the knowledge and skills to realize your full potential.

Program outcomes

Learners who complete the Micro-certificate in Teaching the Holocaust will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the Holocaust’s historical origins and enduring legacies
  • Foster critical thinking and ethical reflection on the Holocaust’s contemporary relevance, applying nuanced historical understanding to address issues of discrimination, antisemitism, and human rights violations today
  • Develop age-appropriate, trauma-informed teaching materials to convey lessons of the Holocaust with empathy and sensitivity
  • Cultivate an inclusive and respectful classroom environment when discussing challenging topics with diverse learner groups
  • Encourage students’ critical thinking and ethical reflection on Holocaust-related issues, including discrimination and antisemitism
  • Integrate survivor testimony and primary sources to deepen students’ historical understanding and empathy
  • Identify and respond to Holocaust denial using strategies that guide discussions towards constructive learning opportunities

Who is this program for?

This program is specifically designed for in-service and pre-service secondary school teachers preparing to integrate Holocaust education into their classrooms. It is also open to educators engaged in Holocaust education.

Career options

Some of our learners pursue careers in the following roles:
  1. In-service secondary school teacher
  2. Pre-service secondary school teacher
  3. Community educators engaged in Holocaust education

Application and fees

To successfully complete the Micro-certificate in Teaching the Holocaust, participants must complete one required course. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to attend an optional in-person learning session scheduled on provincial Teacher Pro-D days. The first session will occur on Friday, October 22, 2024 at the University of Victoria campus, and the second, a repeat session, will take place on February 14th, 2025, in Vancouver, BC. Learners only need to attend one of these sessions.

Admission requirements

Participants should be active in-service or pre-service teachers preparing to integrate Holocaust education into the classroom, or be an educator engaged in Holocaust education.

Active in-service and pre-service teachers in BC will receive a 50% discount on program fees.

How to apply

There is no application necessary for this program. Simply register for the one course below, and upon successful completion, you will receive a Micro-certificate.