The Ninth Candle launches Holocaust educator award

The Ninth Candle has created a new national award to honor middle and high school teachers who excel in Holocaust education. Nominations are open through Oct. 4, with the winner set to be announced on Jan. 27, 2027.

Why it matters: - The new award is designed to spotlight teachers who help students engage with Holocaust history through primary sources and historical inquiry. - The recognition also extends the legacy of Sol and Sally Rosenkranz and their commitment to Holocaust remembrance. - The award could elevate classroom practices that encourage careful discussion of sensitive topics.

What happened: - The Ninth Candle announced the Sol and Sally Rosenkranz Holocaust Educator of the Year Award on Sept. 1, 2026. - The national award will recognize an outstanding teacher of the Holocaust in grades 6-12 anywhere in the United States. - Teachers may nominate themselves or be nominated by colleagues, administrators, students or parents. - The Ninth Candle also created an Emerging Educator recognition for teachers with fewer than five years of experience.

The details: - Eligible candidates must show that they have introduced students to primary sources and the basic principles of historical investigation. - Candidates also must demonstrate that they have fostered constructive discussion around sensitive topics in the classroom. - The winner will receive a custom trophy and a curated collection of books for a school library. - The winner will be invited to speak at select The Ninth Candle events during the 2027-28 school year. - Nominations close Oct. 4, 2026. - Finalists will be selected in the following months. - The winner will be announced Jan. 27, 2027, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. - More information and nominations are available here.

Between the lines: - The award is named for Sol and Sally Rosenkranz, who married and emigrated from Europe to New York City after 1945. - Sol survived six slave labor camps in Poland, Germany and Czechoslovakia. - Sol spent more than two decades sharing his story with visitors and students at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park, New York. - Sally Rosenkranz was an Auschwitz survivor. - Rita Rosenkranz said the award honors her parents’ history of survival and remembrance, and their family is grateful for the lasting engagement with educators. - Dr. Luke Berryman said The Ninth Candle wants to celebrate teachers creating inquiry-based learning experiences. - Berryman said Holocaust education is most effective when students work in the same way as professional historians.

What's next: - The Ninth Candle will review nominations and select finalists over the coming months. - The organization will announce the winner in January 2027. - The winning educator is expected to take part in select events during the 2027-28 school year. - The emerging educator recognition may broaden the award’s reach to newer teachers entering Holocaust education.