Professional Development on Your Schedule: Introducing the New Shared Legacies Online Training Module

For two years, educators and youth leaders have asked how they could bring the powerful lessons of Shared Legacies: The African American–Jewish Civil Rights Alliance to their students when an in-person professional development workshop was not available in their community. Today, we are excited to announce a new solution.

The Shared Legacies Online Professional Development Training Module allows educators, faculty, staff, and youth leaders to access high-quality training whenever and wherever it works best for them. This self-paced, two-hour online experience, led by Shared Legacies Curriculum Director Brian Knowles, equips participants with the knowledge, resources, and confidence needed to implement the Shared Legacies educational documentary and accompanying five-session curriculum.

Designed for educators working with students in grades 6 -12, as well as professionals engaging college students and youth groups, the training explores the historical foundations of the Black-Jewish Civil Rights Alliance while providing practical strategies for meaningful classroom and community engagement. Participants will learn best practices for teaching difficult history, discover effective pedagogical approaches, and gain access to a variety of classroom-ready resources, including family engagement templates that extend learning beyond the classroom.

Upon successful completion of the training, participants receive full access to the Shared Legacies educational documentary and curriculum materials for use with their students or youth organization throughout the academic year. Educators will also learn about the Shared Legacies Mini-Grant Program, which provides grants ranging from $300 to $750 to support family and community engagement initiatives inspired by the curriculum.

At a time when educators are seeking resources that foster empathy, historical understanding, and constructive dialogue across differences, Shared Legacies offers a proven framework for exploring the enduring partnership between African American and Jewish communities during the Civil Rights Movement. Through compelling storytelling, primary sources, and engaging discussion, students are invited to reflect on the power of coalition-building and the responsibilities of civic leadership today.

Thanks to the generosity of the Redstone Family Foundation, you no longer need to wait for Shared Legacies to come to your community. The training is now available when you are ready to begin.

To enroll in the Shared Legacies Online Professional Development Training Module, please contact Rabbi Dr. Judy Schindler at DrSchindler@spillthehoney.com. We look forward to partnering with you as you bring these important lessons into your classroom, campus, or youth organization.