NDE 2542 Beyond Borders: Teaching Modern Genocides and Mass Atrocities (Spring 2026)

This professional learning course prepares K–12 educators to teach genocide and mass violence accurately, responsibly, and developmentally appropriately, as required under Nevada’s AB 231.

Rather than overwhelming educators with graphic content or exhaustive case studies, the course emphasizes patterns, definitions, prevention frameworks, and ethical pedagogy. Participants examine legally recognized genocides and major mass atrocities of the 20th and 21st centuries—including Rwanda, Darfur, and the Uyghur Genocide—through the Ten Stages of Genocide, human rights frameworks, and trauma-informed instructional practices.

Educators will learn how to distinguish genocide from other mass atrocities, explain complex legal and ethical concepts in student-friendly language, and design classroom-ready tools aligned to Nevada Academic Content Standards (NVACS) and the Nevada Educator Performance Framework (NEPF). The course culminates in a practical educator-created resource that can be immediately implemented in K–12 classrooms.

This course is designed for educators who want to teach difficult history with precision, care, and purpose—without causing harm.

This course is intended for:

• K–12 classroom teachers (all grade bands)

• Social studies, ELA, and interdisciplinary educators

• Instructional coaches and curriculum specialists

• School and district administrators

• Educators seeking AB 231–aligned professional learning

Prerequirsite of NDE 2530 Introduction to Teaching Genocide suggested but not required.
All materials are designed for educator learning and include guidance on what is and is not appropriate for classroom use.