This July, Jewish Peninsula was delighted to partner with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC), the Virginia Holocaust Commission, the Tidewater Jewish Community Relations Council and the Tidewater Jewish Foundation to host the VCIC Tidewater Educators Conference. Over two meaningful days, educators came together to learn, connect and explore practical ways to address bias, bullying and antisemitism in schools.

Nearly 50 teachers and administrators from public and private schools across Hampton Roads joined the conference, bringing energy, curiosity and a shared commitment to helping every student feel safe, respected and valued. Their choice to spend part of the summer learning together was a joyful reminder of how much educators care about building welcoming school communities.

The first day featured hands-on workshops focused on curriculum and classroom management strategies. Educators practiced recognizing and responding to bias, discussed how to address antisemitism with confidence and shared ideas for nurturing classroom cultures rooted in empathy, curiosity and critical thinking. The collaborative spirit in the room made the learning feel both practical and inspiring.

The conference’s impact was already taking shape before it ended. One Peninsula administrator shared plans to refresh a classroom management lesson using strategies from the first day, while another educator was inspired to book a field trip for eighth- and ninth-grade students to the Virginia Holocaust Museum. Moments like these showed how quickly thoughtful learning can turn into meaningful action.

On the second day, attendees traveled together to the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond, where guided tours brought history into focus through exhibits, firsthand accounts and historical artifacts. Educators deepened their understanding of the Holocaust and its relevance today, then concluded the day with a presentation from the Virginia Holocaust Commission on resources and best practices for teaching this history with accuracy, sensitivity and purpose.

This gathering also highlighted the joy and strength that come from partnership. Together, organizations devoted to education, remembrance and community engagement created an experience that offered educators not only knowledge, but also confidence, encouragement and renewed purpose as they return to their schools.

At Jewish Peninsula, we believe education has the power to open hearts, strengthen communities and inspire the next generation. Every classroom offers a chance to challenge harmful stereotypes, spark compassion and help students see the dignity in themselves and others. When educators have the tools to recognize and counter bias, that positive impact ripples outward to families, schools and communities throughout our region.

We are deeply grateful to our partners at VCIC, the Virginia Holocaust Commission, the Tidewater Jewish Community Relations Council and the Tidewater Jewish Foundation for their collaboration and shared dedication. We also extend heartfelt thanks to the nearly 50 educators who brought such thoughtfulness, openness and care to this experience as they prepare to make an even greater impact in their classrooms this fall.

Together, we are helping carry the lessons of history forward with hope, compassion and a shared commitment to a more inclusive future.