Teaching the Unspeakable

This book presents the thirty-year history of the State of New Jersey’s involvement in Holocaust and Genocide education with the establishment of a Council/Commission by Governor Tom Kean and the passage of the legislative “Mandate” in 1994 that students in all grades must learn about the Holocaust and genocide. The book highlights many of the programs and curriculum developments over the years and the importance of the network of Holocaust and Genocide Centers throughout the State and concludes with activities and concerns for the future to ensure that Holocaust and Genocide activities become an integral part of the education of our students.

This book presents the thirty-year history of the State of New Jersey’s involvement in Holocaust and Genocide education with the establishment of a Council/Commission by Governor Tom Kean and the passage of the legislative “Mandate” in 1994 that students in all grades must learn about the Holocaust and genocide. The book highlights many of the programs and curriculum developments over the years and the importance of the network of Holocaust and Genocide Centers throughout the State and concludes with activities and concerns for the future to ensure that Holocaust and Genocide activities become an integral part of the education of our students.

Dr. Paul B. Winkler has been formally involved in Holocaust and genocide education and prejudice reduction education since 1974. This abiding dedication was developed, encouraged, and learned from his parents and grandmother through their community involvement. Dr. Winkler has served as a teacher, principal, superintendent, Regional Education Director, New Jersey Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Education for Exceptional Children at the New Jersey Department of Education, and Director of a Teacher Training Center. In addition he has coordinated Holocaust and genocide education in the State of New Jersey, sometimes as a volunteer, and then as a part-time employee after retiring in 1990. In addition to coordinating all Holocaust and genocide activities in New Jersey, Dr. Winkler also trains teachers and makes direct presentations to students. Under his leadership, the Commission collaborated with the Italian, Arab, and Amistad Commissions, as well as the Martin Luther King Commission.