Four teachers gather around a large sheet of white paper to write down their ideas

Hammel Family Human Rights Initiative

The Hammel Family Human Rights Initiative

A University-wide effort, which includes the Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Education Initiative, providing professional learning for PreK-12 educators on effective instruction of difficult topics.

Critical Thinking and Empathy in PreK-12

Educator in discussion with other educators, hands gesturing upwards in indication of revelation. — **Noelle Ackland participates in one of the Initiatives' program sessions.**
**Credit:** John Pendygraft

Through research-based, nonpartisan professional development, the Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Education Initiative, part of Penn State's Hammel Family Human Rights Initiative at Penn State, assists PreK-12 educators to provide students with opportunities to gain critical thinking, fact finding, active listening, research, and civic discourse skills.

Participants in the Initiatives’ professional learning programs investigate difficult topics and issues in their classrooms and schools. We define difficult topics as ones that exist in curricula and difficult issues as one that pop up in the news, local communities and/or classrooms. The participating educators develop their pedagogical skills while analyzing their students, classrooms, and communities through trauma-informed, asset-based and contextually responsive lenses. They support students, empowering them to sharpen their perspectives while respecting others’.

Opportunities to Learn, Lead and Support

Teachers seated around desks in a classroom, in animated discussion.

Administrators

Learn more about our offerings and how we can support your district, school, or other educational entity through our customized approach.

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Educators

Learn more about our programs, free online modules, and ways to become involved.

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Donors & Advocates

Learn more about ways to support and get involved with the Initiative.

Our Impact

Discover our research impact

“Our teachers were asking for meaningful professional development on trauma-informed practices and navigating difficult political or sensitive conversations. We intentionally sought a partner with deep experience in this work, and Penn State’s approach—contextually responsive, trauma-informed, and asset-based—aligned perfectly with our goals.”

Dr. Susan Gentile , Director of Instruction and Learning, Quaker Valley School District, Sewickley, Pennsylvania

“Effective Holocaust and genocide education gives students the space to examine these topics responsibly and thoughtfully. They use research-based practices, ask their own questions, and engage with multiple perspectives rather than a single narrative. We can’t rely on one story or one focal point; students need a more expansive view of the Holocaust that still allows them the freedom to pursue the questions and areas that matter most to them.”

Melissa Kreider , 8th Grade, Hempfield Middle School, Hempfield Area School District, Landisville, PA