Brave Classrooms Online Course Shapes Educator Confidence in the Classroom

“The interactive nature of the [Brave Classrooms] course, including discussions and activities that encouraged critical thinking and reflection, stood out as particularly effective. Engaging with peers and discussing complex topics created a supportive environment that fostered deeper understanding and empathy. This collaborative learning experience reinforced the importance of open dialogue in combating prejudice and promoting inclusivity.”

- Educator participant

In November and December 2024, about 70 teachers attended our four-week mini-course—Brave Classrooms: Taking on Antisemitism in Schools—that examined the history and evolution of antisemitism and considered steps to help students stand up against this insidious form of hatred and bigotry.

After completing the course, participating educators completed a follow-up survey about the time they spent with us, so we could gauge how they perceived their existing knowledge on the topic, their ability to address antisemitism in their classroom conversations, and whether they felt education about antisemitism was needed in their educational setting. Facing History’s evaluation team has finished analyzing the results and we’re pleased to share some especially meaningful takeaways.

Empowering Teachers with Foundational Knowledge

Facing History’s evaluators were particularly interested in finding out how course materials paired with live sessions and accessible office hours could help educators gain confidence in their ability to tackle these sometimes charged topics. Facing History prioritizes empowering teachers to create brave classroom spaces—especially amid a fast-paced news cycle where current events prompt students to ask questions about group dynamics and moral reasoning in the face of bigotry.

With that in mind, evaluators designed a survey that asked participants how the mini-course impacted their self-perception of their ability to address contemporary antisemitism in their own classrooms. The evaluation also probed more deeply into their plans to implement the tools and resources they’d learned about during the course to determine the perceived effectiveness of said materials. The data below represents 35 teacher responses.

• 100% of educators said the Brave Classrooms mini-course increased their capacity to help their students understand the impact antisemitism has on individuals and communities
• 97% of educators said the mini-course helped them instruct students’ understanding of the dangers of antisemitism
• 94% of educators said the mini-course helped them increase their students’ understanding of the impact antisemitism has on society and the state of democracy
• 91% of educators said the mini-course supported them in enhancing their students' awareness of how important it is to stand up against antisemitism.

As one teacher expressed: “It gave me greater confidence and a sense of direction. I also learned things that expanded and built upon my existing knowledge and understanding. I appreciated the time set aside to focus on this issue with thought partners.”

“Start with yourself”: Ways that Facing History Centers Intellectual Rigor and Teacher Well-being

Facing History’s pedagogy urges educators to start with self-reflection before they enter the classroom. What pieces of their own identities and experiences do they bring to the topic, and how can they extend care to themselves as they navigate these conversations with students? What do they know about the topic at hand, and what additional resources do they need to teach confidently and effectively? 

After completing Brave Classrooms: Taking on Antisemitism in Schools… 

• 97% of educators stated that the Brave Classrooms mini-course increased their knowledge of the history of antisemitism and their motivation to address antisemitism through their work
• 94% felt they knew more about historical stereotypes of Jews
• 91% better understood the relationship between antisemitism and other forms of racism/prejudice

In another part of the evaluation survey, participating educators were asked to what extent this course met their needs for foundational knowledge on the topic of antisemitism—and which classroom strategies and habits of mind assisted them once they brought these materials to the students. This question advised course facilitators and Facing History staff on teacher confidence and the ease with which our curriculum can be incorporated into existing materials.

• 97% said the Brave Classrooms mini-course provided useful strategies for engaging their students in learning about antisemitism
• 89% said they plan to use Facing History resources on antisemitism
• 97% found the Brave Classrooms mini-course to be high or very high value
• 97% reported that they would recommend the Brave Classrooms mini-course to others

Continued Growth

We know that learning is an ever-evolving journey, which is why Brave Classrooms was designed as a series of professional development courses rather than a stand-alone experience. After completing Taking on Antisemitism in Schools, 94% of respondents said they are interested in continuing their learning with Facing History about antisemitism and its contemporary manifestations and impacts. We’re proud that many participants from Course One have chosen to register for the second course in the series, Brave Classrooms: Confronting Bigotry and Hatred. Participants are encouraged to attend additional Facing History webinars on this topic with leading scholars in the field, as well as online workshops that center youth voices as they discuss building bridges across differences today.

Ending with Inspiration

While our data-driven evaluations are measurably instructive, reading the satisfied words of educators who took the time to engage in professional learning offers an insightful human look into the impact of Facing History:

“Thank you so very much. This has been extremely enlightening. At first I was so depressed learning this history, but I so appreciate the facilitator's comment today about how in spite of it, she remains optimistic. We have power as educators and we can help make the world a better place one student, one positive experience at a time. Thank you so much for this course!”

“I was unaware of the overwhelming resources and how many teachers are actively involved in teaching this topic.”

“It can feel very isolating teaching sensitive topics, especially in such a small school as mine. It was therapeutic to interact with other professionals doing the same thing.”

Learn More

We’re so thankful for continued opportunities to impact educators and students with our scholarship, and grateful for all the ways we ourselves continue to learn as we perform the vital work of fighting hate and bigotry of all kinds. If you’re looking to engage directly with Facing History’s curriculum, discover our Antisemitism Resource collection for resources that can equip your students to recognize contemporary manifestations of antisemitism and their origins.