About
Stories That Shaped a Nation is a powerful Jewish American education initiative that deepens our understanding of the Jewish people.
The Weitzman Presents:
A New National Initiative
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, a Smithsonian affiliate, launched Stories That Shaped a Nation, as a comprehensive educator-designed curriculum exploring Jewish history, values, identity, and belonging. In partnership with school districts and a broad coalition of organizations, the curriculum goes beyond Holocaust education to challenge antisemitism, address bias, and deepen understanding of Jewish life and democracy through a diverse, inclusive lens.
The Weitzman
Explore the Weitzman’s work in preserving and sharing Jewish American history and culture through exhibits, educational programming, and this national Jewish heritage project.
How is Stories That Shaped a Nation funded?
This curriculum was made possible by a generous donation in 2024 from the U.S. Department of Education, as part of the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism in the United States. A key goal of this effort is to raise awareness of antisemitism, and broaden appreciation of Jewish American heritage, goals that align fully with the mission of our curricular initiative.
Project Leadership
Rebecca Krasner, M.S. Ed., Project Leader
Dr. Daniel Osborn, Curriculum Developer
Partners
Anti-Defamation League
Gratz College
High School Law Review
Beth-El Civil Rights Experience
JCRC of Minnesota and the Dakotas
Citizen Film
Project Mosaics
Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center, Queens University of Charlotte
Jewish Learning Venture
Advisors
Christy Chang, Curriculum Specialist, School District of Philadelphia
Katie Cunningham, Assistant Director, Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center
Rochel Klionsky, Director, The Center of Jewish Inclusive Learning, JEP
Dr. Josh Perelman, Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Sarah Pharoan, Principal, Dialogic Consulting, Inc.
Rabba Rori Picker Neiss, JCPA
Dr. Barret Rosser, Research Fellow, University of Pennsylvania
Sandra Schwarzkopf, Co-Founder & Director of Learning, Gamepossible Learning
Kate Snow, Director of Climate, Davis Unified School District
Dr. Kaylene Stevens, Boston University
Akanke Washington, Curriculum Specialist, School District of Philadelphia
Fellows
Gratz College
Katie Cunningham, Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center, North and South Carolina
Michael Denning, Noble and Greenough School, Dedham, Massachusetts
Amy Fraler, Dallas, Texas
Michelle Holcman, Miami-Dade, Miami Country Day School, Florida
Angela Larson, GMG-Garwin Secondary School, Garwin, Iowa
Katy Matello, Museum of History and Holocaust Education, Kennesaw State University, Georgia
Alexandra Kay McCarthy, North Augusta High School, Aiken County, South Carolina
Sandra Schwarzkopf, Gamepossible Learning, Massachusetts
Carol Shears, Saddleback Unified School District, La Paz Intermediate School, California
Stephanie Taylor, Gate City High School, Scott County Virginia
Jennifer Wilson, North East High School, North East School District, Pennsylvania
Lower Merion School District: Black Rock and Bala Cynwyd Middle Schools
Shameeka Browne – Math 5-8th
Austin Butler – 7,8th grade gifted program
Beth Davis – French 5th-8th
Dannielle Doran – 6th grade ELA/SS
Jennifer Ekert – 7th ELA
Rebecca Epting – 7th grade science
Amanda Groen – 7th grade ELA
Tim Kerns – 7th grade social studies
Rachael King – 7th, 8th math
Katy Morris – 8th grade social studies
Ashley Rosenbaum
James Scott – 7th-8th grade gifted support
The Team
Stories That Shaped a Nation has been reviewed by educators from public and private schools, as well as other educational organizations, and is supported by a growing network of respected partners.
Partners
