Stories That Spark Action: Learning From the Holocaust With Dr. Ettie Zilber

Stories that spark action are powerful tales that inspire us to do something. These stories can be about real people who overcame challenges, or they can be about imaginary heroes who make us dream big. They make us feel strong emotions, like hope or courage, and they push us to take steps toward our own goals. Whether it's starting a new project, helping someone in need, or making a change in our own lives, these stories light a fire in us. They show us that with effort and belief, anything is possible. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Ettie Zilber, an educator, trainer, book author, and speaker who is a consultant to International School Communities and families in transition. Ettie shares her powerful insights on how storytelling can be a sparking tool for critical thinking, storytelling as a tool for motivating positive change within this world, and how to use stories to address current challenges like discrimination within our schools and society. Tune in to learn more! Timestamps: (05:07): Ettie discovered that stories have a unique way of engaging students. They create memorable experiences, making learning more effective and enjoyable. (06:42): By presenting complex ideas through narratives, storytelling encourages critical thinking. It prompts listeners to analyze, question, and explore different perspectives. (11:51): Stories evoke emotions and connect us to shared human experiences. Ettie emphasizes how storytelling can foster empathy, helping us understand others’ feelings and viewpoints. (17:04): Ettie believes stories can inspire action. Whether addressing social issues or personal growth, narratives motivate positive change by touching hearts and minds.(21:34): Ettie shares strategies for using stories to address discrimination in schools and society. Stories can challenge biases, promote inclusivity, and ignite conversations. (26:39): Ettie offers workshops and resources for educators, emphasizing the power of storytelling in education. These practical tools empower teachers to create impactful learning experiences. Notable Quotes “Storytelling is a very impactful strategy for teaching anything.” “If you shove your history under the carpet, you will never heal from it, and you will never be able to move forward.” “Responsibility without empathy is a bit hollow.” Let's Connect Connect With Dr. Ettie Zilber LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ettie-zilber-89717227/ Website: http://www.ettiezilber.com/ Connect With Dana Specker Watts  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaspeckerwatts/ Twitter: https://x.com/teachwatts Connect With Mike Pierre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pierre/ More Resources Head over iss.idu to check out ISS website for events and more. Sign up for Moreland University to elevate your career as an educator at www.moreland.edu Join the community of professional educators considering the role of inclusion in the classroom culture at seniainternational.org Check out inspirecitizens who inspire schools to live their mission of global citizenship at inspirecitizens.org