Professional Development for Grade 6 Teachers
Program
All times are in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
February 25th, 2026
Getting on Board with Teaching To Hope and Back: Introduction to Teaching Your Grade 6 Classroom (EN) with Dr. Cindy Kozierok
Cindy Kozierok is a Grade 6 classroom teacher in the Toronto District School Board, where she has been teaching for 30 years. She is also an educational consultant, specializing in Holocaust education in elementary public schools. This unique positioning allows Cindy to combine practical experience with the realities of classroom teaching and an advanced academic background in Holocaust scholarship and educational philosophy. Cindy is a doctoral candidate in the William Davidson School of Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, with a research focus on Holocaust education in elementary public schools. A child of Holocaust survivors, Cindy is dedicated to providing high-quality educational support for organizations involved in Jewish, Holocaust, and antisemitism education. She is the Education Chair for Liberation75, a member of the executive of the TDSB Jewish Heritage Committee, and provides consulting services to a variety of organizations such as the Ontario College of Teachers, Ontario Teachers Federation, the Toronto Holocaust Museum, and Carrying Testimony. Cindy lives in Toronto with her husband and is the proud mom of six incredible adult humans and one pampered puppy.
4:00 PM
February 25th, 2026
Embarquer dans l'enseignement d’Aller-retour vers l’espoir : Introduction à l'enseignement en classe de 6e année
(FR) avec Jessica Sutherland
Jessica Sutherland est présentement enseignante de 6e année en immersion française au Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB). Diplômée de la Faculté des sciences de l’éducation de l’Université McGill, elle possède une vaste expérience en immersion française, en enseignement des langues et en apprentissage fondé sur le curriculum.
Jessica est présidente du Groupe de travail des éducateurs et éducatrices en éducation à l’Holocauste (OCDSB) et accompagne le personnel enseignant dans la mise en œuvre des attentes du curriculum de 6e année, en privilégiant des approches réfléchies, sensibles et adaptées à l’âge des élèves. Elle a également offert des présentations à l’échelle du conseil scolaire pour soutenir la pratique enseignante. Cette année, elle a complété un détachement à titre de professeure à la Faculté d’éducation de l’Université d’Ottawa.
Jessica est également la descendante de deux grands-parents survivants de l’Holocauste, un lien personnel qui nourrit son engagement envers l’éducation, la mémoire et la responsabilité collective.
4:00 PM
March 4th, 2026
Using Artifacts to Teach in the Classroom: Introducing Our NEW Virtual Museum
with author Kathy Kacer and curator Evelyn Riddell
Kathy Kacer is the award-winning author of more than 30 books focusing on stories of the Second World War and the Holocaust. They include The Secret of Gabi's Dresser, Hiding Edith, Under the Iron Bridge, and To Hope and Back. Kathy travels the world speaking to young people about the importance of keeping this history alive.
Evelyn Riddell is a historian working at Liberation75, and the curator of the new resource To Hope and Back: Virtual Artifact Exhibit. Evelyn applies her Master’s in History and background in material culture methodology to Holocaust education at Liberation75, and is passionate about how artifact-centered education can make history more accessible for students.
4:00 PM
March 11th, 2026
Best Practices Workshop: How Teachers are Using To Hope & Back in Their Classrooms