Chapter 5: Attacking Antisemitism: Investigating How Museum-Led Professional Development Affects Preservice Teachers’ Preparedness to Teach the Holocaust

This study examines how a museum-led professional development workshop impacts preservice teachers’ perceived preparedness to teach the Holocaust. Utilizing an instructional model of historical empathy, researchers designed a virtual Holocaust education workshop for preservice teachers. Teacher candidates at three large universities were invited to attend. Survey findings demonstrate that participants’ preparedness to teach difficult history improved. Results highlight the power of partnerships between teacher educators and museum educators and the power of eyewitness testimony to evoke empathy.