View Passport

Yvonne Rodriguez

Cullen Elementary , Kyle TX

Travel to Latvia with the CANDLES Holocaust Museum to explore the city of Riga, Latvia, the ghetto where thousands of Jews were deported, to support and strengthen our Holocaust Remembrance Week curriculum and teach students that one person can make a difference.

Where I've Been

Riga, Latvia

Igniting Your Personal and Professional Growth

Describe one or two, specific learning experiences from your fellowship. In words, show us this experience and explain why it was powerful.

I learned so much from this experience.I learned so much about Holocaust Survivor Mickey Kor, where he grew up, the ghetto he moved into, the Opera House where his mother took him as a child and his love of opera music began! I learned about the brave souls who risked their lives on a daily basis to save Jewish people during the Holocaust. All these things are so very important! Teaching my students how ONE person CAN make a difference in this world we live in together.

What did you learn about yourself? What did you learn professionally?

I learned that I am braver than I think I am! Finding my way through airportsrne in other countries was a challenge for me. I learned that I can do these challenges, I just have to believe in myself. Professionally, I learned important lessons that I can't wait to share with my classroom and educator community.

What were some unplanned or unexpected experiences or outcomes of your fellowship? Or, how did the fellowship you crafted differ from the actual learning experience?

I am so thankful I found a group to travel with. It was easy for me. I didn't have to worry about how I was going to travel from one place to another. It was just easy. The learning was exactly as I imagined it would be.

Impacting Your Classroom, School and Community

Outline specific plans you have to implement your fellowship and reach your student goals.

I am excited to have lessons to share with my students for Holocaust Remembrance Week! Lessons not only about Holocaust Survivor Mickey Kor, but also lessons about Janis and Johanna Lipke. Lessons about being brave and standing up for what is right. Being the change makers our world needs!

What is one way you can leverage your fellowship to create one authentic learning experience for students? (e.g. hands-on learning, projects, community engagement)

I took an idea from another educator that I want to implement. After teaching a lesson about Janis and Johanna Lipke, I would make shadow portraits of each student. Students would then use magazines and cut out words or images that describe them on the inside. Teaching students that it's not the outside that matters...but what's on the inside that counts!

How, specifically, will your fellowship extend beyond your classroom? (e.g. families, school-at-large, afterschool groups, surrounding community, colleagues, etc.)

I can't wait to share my fellowship with my classroom and school community. The impact that this fellowship has made on me is HUGE!! and I can't wait to share it with those around me! I am already thinking about an afterschool club that I can host!