Committee hears bill to expand Holocaust education supports and teacher training

Senate Bill 735 would expand state support for Holocaust education by authorizing optional, age-appropriate curricula (including bilingual materials), funding for teacher professional development and museum partnerships, reporting on participation, and pilot programs to develop teachers with Holocaust competency for underserved regions.

Senator Menendez, speaking in favor of the bill, said it builds on prior statutes that established a Holocaust Remembrance Week and a statewide survey of district participation. “These recommendations are all recommendations that were made to the legislature by the Holocaust genocide and antisemitism advisory commission in order to improve more consistent and resourced Holocaust education across the state,” Menendez said.

Lisa Berry, a fifth-grade teacher with nearly three decades of classroom experience, and Leslie Mette, director of the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, testified in support. Berry said museum-led, educator-focused trainings produce age-appropriate classroom resources and equip teachers to present the material sensitively. “Teaching something so complex and emotional requires intentional informed preparations, That's where the value of our local museums' trainings become undeniable,” Berry said. Mette told the committee that statewide study results show many schools provide limited or no Holocaust instruction and urged investment in museum partnerships, educator training and accountability to ensure students receive instruction that is developmentally appropriate.

The committee recessed for a Senate floor appearance and planned to resume consideration of SB 735 when the hearing returned; public testimony before the recess was supportive and the sponsor indicated the measure would advance training and reporting for districts.