The Holocaust Education Resource and Outreach Center, or HERO Center, is the branch of Voices of Hope responsible for our work with students and educators. Utilizing Voices of Hope’s expertise and resources, it provides support for educators, students and community members to effectively and impactfully meet the requirements of Connecticut’s 2018 mandate which requires Connecticut schools to provide Holocaust and genocide education in their social studies curriculum, but offers no financial support to do so. Through the HERO Center, Voices of Hope bridges the gap created by the requirements of the mandate and the lack of funding for schools.
The HERO Center is proud to partner in these efforts with many organizations, universities and educators across Connecticut. Together, we offer a range of in-school programs, professional development, grants for educators and students, and support for educators looking to teach meaningful, impactful, and responsible lesson of the Holocaust and genocide.
In 2016, Voices of Hope and the HERO Center launched its Simon Konover Recognition for Excellence in Holocaust Teaching. The award recognizes educators who have shown their passion for Holocaust education. Simon, who was a Holocaust survivor himself, endured unimaginable hardships during the Shoah. In the years following, Simon made sure to live every day of his life to the fullest, minute to minute, not hour to hour. It is through this award that we continue to recognize the importance of individual teachers and their dedication to bear witness to the Holocaust.
Previous honorees: