Support Stacey's Holocaust Education Training

I'm raising funds for Stacey Saady, a dedicated public school educator in Santa Cruz who has been a steadfast community advocate and ally, particularly in advocating against antisemitism and other forms of discrimination. She has been accepted to participate in two highly competitive and prestigious educator professional development programs at Yad Vashem in Israel and with Echoes & Reflections in Poland this summer.

I have known Stacey for over 15 years. Her service emphasizes the importance of understanding the Holocaust and combating antisemitism. This campaign will ensure her participation in educational programs this summer, allowing our students and community to benefit from her enhanced ability to develop curricula around and teach these critical lessons.

Stacey's compassion for others, passion for youth education, and skillful way of engaging youth of all abilities and backgrounds position her to make an important and lasting impact in our community and beyond.

Please join me in supporting Stacey's Holocaust and antisemitism education training.

A message from Stacey:

I am a public high school educator who specializes in Holocaust studies, and I’m reaching out to you seeking support for two prestigious international professional development programs to which I’ve been accepted.

This summer, I will participate in the 11th International Conference for Educators at Yad Vashem, which you can read about here: International Conference at Yad Vashem Holocaust Education in a Global Context. I am also one of only 30 teachers in the United States selected to attend the 2024 Echoes & Reflections Educational Journey Through Poland, which takes educators on guided tours of Warsaw, Treblinka, Lodz, Auschwitz-Birkenau, and Krakow. You can read more about Echoes & Reflections , which partners with Yad Vashem, the ADL, and the USC Shoah Foundation, here: Echoes & Reflections. Both programs provide invaluable opportunities to collaborate with leading experts, gain firsthand insight into the historical contexts of the Holocaust, and develop rigorous curricula that can be shared with school districts nationwide.

My commitment to Holocaust and genocide education stems from a deep belief in the importance of fostering empathy, critical thinking, and moral courage in our youth. It also stems from a grave concern for the alarming rise in antisemitism. As a member of the California Teachers Collaborative on Holocaust and Genocide Education and as a member of the Educator Leadership Council for the JFCS Holocaust Center, I am actively involved in initiatives aimed at combating hate, promoting historical understanding, and empowering educators across California.

I will attend these international programs with a clear sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the gravity of these opportunities; however, they also come with significant financial responsibilities. I am fortunate to have been given stipends from Yad Vashem and Jewish Children and Family Services, but I still face out-of-pocket expenses close to $6,000. I will be in Israel and then Poland for nearly a month, from June 20th to July 16th, and the expenses not covered by the conferences include conference fees, international and domestic flights, some accommodations between the two conferences, and transportation.

Your support will help me participate fully in seminars with leading experts in Holocaust and genocide studies, collaborating with them and fellow teachers to develop engaging, shareable curricula with well-curated primary sources and eye-witness testimonies from survivors.

I strongly believe that investing in educators dedicated to Holocaust and genocide education is an investment in a more empathetic, informed, and just society: your contribution would not only enhance my development as an educator but also further a shared academic mission of fostering tolerance, understanding, and social responsibility within our communities.

Any assistance you can provide, whether through financial support or connections to potential sponsors, would be deeply appreciated. Additionally, I am available to discuss my experiences, goals, or any questions you may have regarding my participation in these programs.

I am incredibly grateful for your time, support, and commitment to advancing Holocaust and genocide education.

Warm regards,

Stacey Saady

Teacher, Santa Cruz City Schools