The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) has announced that Joel Jenson, a member of Archbishop Stepinac High School’s History Department, has been selected by its Board of Directors as the recipient of the 2026 Susan J. Goldberg Memorial Teacher Award.
Presented annually, the Susan J. Goldberg Memorial Teacher Award honors the legacy of Susan J. Goldberg, an exceptional Holocaust and human rights educator whose lifelong commitment to combating hatred and bigotry through education continues to inspire teachers throughout the Lower Hudson region. Established in 2003, the award recognizes educators who have made distinguished contributions to their schools and communities through the teaching of the Holocaust and other human rights violations.
Jenson is being recognized for his exceptional dedication to human rights education and his determination to bring the lessons of the Holocaust and other human rights violations to life for his students at Stepinac High School. His commitment to continuous learning and professional growth is exemplified by his participation in the HHREC’s 2024 Educators’ Trip to Germany and Poland, an immersive experience designed to deepen educators’ understanding of Holocaust history and pedagogy.
Following this experience, Jenson furthered his involvement with HHREC by joining the Educators’ Program Committee, where he has played an instrumental role in the development of new educational programs. His work extends well beyond the classroom. Most recently, he served as a member of the research and writing team for the New York State Education Department’s Teaching the Holocaust and Other Genocide Curriculum Resource Guide, specifically contributing to content on the 1936 Olympics, Jesse Owens, and Jewish athletes during the Holocaust.
In addition, Jenson mentored a Stepinac student through the Living History Project and participated in the annual “Meeting the Mandate” full-day teachers’ institute held at Manhattanville University, further demonstrating his dedication to advancing Holocaust and genocide education at both the student and professional levels.
In a congratulatory letter, the Director of Education for the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, Steven Goldberg, praised Jenson’s impact, noting that he embodies the spirit of the Susan J. Goldberg Memorial Teacher Award through his unwavering commitment to Holocaust education, human rights, and the betterment of his students and community. The letter highlighted his passion, leadership, and continuous efforts to make a lasting impact on students’ lives, calling him an ideal recipient of this distinguished honor.
“Teaching the Holocaust and human rights carries an important responsibility to honor the past while challenging students to think critically about the world they live in today,” said Jenson. “I am grateful for the support of the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center and the Stepinac community as we work to ensure these lessons remain meaningful for future generations.”
Reflecting on this recognition, Stepinac leadership also commended Mr. Jenson’s work and dedication. “Joel Jenson’s commitment to teaching the lessons of the Holocaust and human rights exemplifies the mission of Archbishop Stepinac High School,” said Frank Portanova ’93, Vice Principal of Academics & Curriculum. “Through his leadership and mentorship, he challenges students to think critically and act compassionately. We are immensely proud of his well-deserved recognition.”
Jenson will be formally presented with the Susan J. Goldberg Memorial Teacher Award at the HHREC’s annual Yom HaShoah Commemoration, to be held this year at Iona University on Tuesday, April 14, at 7:00 PM.
