CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman High School teacher Robin Cook has been named a 2024 Jewish Foundation for the Righteous (JFR) Alfred Lerner Fellow.
Cook was among 22 middle and high school teachers selected by the JFR as 2024 Alfred Lerner Fellows. As part of the selection, Cook and the selectees participated in the JFR’s Summer Institute for Teachers, an intensive course delving into the complex history of the Holocaust and discussing new teaching techniques for introducing the subject of the Holocaust into their classrooms.
“This journey began when I attended professional development at the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center (now the Alabama Holocaust Education Center) 10 years ago. I was amazed by what I learned and this experience led to my attending professional development at the AHEC every time it was offered,” Cook explained. “Fortunately, I was blessed to be accepted, and I traveled to Newark, New Jersey, and attended the Summer Teacher Institute sponsored by the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous.”
Cook went on to explain how she was able to learn from experts and Holocaust survivors, bringing knowledge that could be adapted into classroom curriculum.
“This organization brings in Holocaust education scholars from all over the world. Learning was continual and intense,” she said. “The scholars generously shared their expertise and their time. Another benefit was working with teachers (both classroom and museum) from across the country. Developing activities that work in the classroom with other educators was beneficial and thought provoking.”
The nationally acclaimed Fellowship program is named in memory of Alfred Lerner, the founding chairman and chief executive officer of MBNA Corporation, who died in October 2002. Lerner was a longtime advisor and supporter of JFR programs and activities. His deep commitment to the work of JFR and his special interest in the field of Holocaust education led to the seminar being endowed in his name.
“The three primary goals for the JFR’s Summer Institute are to provide teachers with a graduate-level course on Antisemitism and the Holocaust; to empower educators to develop pedagogical connections with other teachers; and to equip these teachers with additional resources to bring back to their classrooms,” JFR Executive Vice President Stanlee Stahl said.
