Jared Shogren, middle school History teacher at Orono Middle School has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Leo Weiss Courage to Teach Award.

This award, given out by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, annually recognizes one educator who goes beyond the requirements of curriculum to teach and inspire young people about the lessons of the Holocaust. The Leo Weiss Courage to Teach Award has been given to an exceptional and impactful educator since 2011.

Jared Shogren has been a social studies teacher for 22 years and has been teaching seventh-grade American History at the Orono Middle School for the last 17. He believes integrating social justice themes throughout lessons helps students examine inequities, develop a deeper awareness of the world around them and their role in it, and advocate for positive change. His American History course includes a 5-week unit on World War II with an emphasis on the Holocaust and the rise of antisemitism. Mr. Shogren believes students need to analyze and think critically about history so they can better understand the society they live in today, and work toward making it better.

Jared is also a teacher leader at Orono, contributing to the strategic planning committee, writing curriculum, developing sound grading practices, and consulting with other school districts on their assessment strategies. Outside of teaching, Mr. Shogren enjoys traveling with his wife Amy and their two children, Tillie and Tryg, as well as coaching their basketball, softball, and baseball teams. In his leisure time, he also loves to ice fish and pheasant hunt with his two golden retrievers.

In the nomination, it stated:

“Mr. Shogren has been an advocate for Holocaust education for many years and has invited [Holocaust education] speakers into his classroom since 2017. He and the others in the Social Study department work in conjunction with the English department for nearly a month to educate 7th graders on WWII and the Holocaust, far exceeding the state’s mandated curriculum. The English classes read books on the Shoa and write papers, fully immersing students in the subject. Additionally, they open their shared classroom walls to have joint lectures.”

Additionally, Orono Middle School Principal, Kim Van Eyll shared:

“I am thrilled to learn of Jared’s Leo Weiss Courage To Teach Award receipt. His dedication to Holocaust education in his seventh-grade social studies class is truly exceptional. Recognizing that this education must extend beyond basic instruction, Jared cultivates a profound sense of empathy within his students while fostering a deep understanding of social responsibility. Having his commitment to this work recognized will be an outstanding honor for him. I know that he is extremely grateful for the collaboration he has had over the years with the JCRC.”

and Orono’s Executive Director of Learning & Accountability, Dr. Aaron Ruhland added:

“Jared is a teacher who cares deeply about his students and his teaching of the Holocaust is rooted in empathy and care along with deep learning and relationship building through the speakers’ network. Jared is also a person who cares deeply about justice and has a life history of serving others and wanting better for the world.”

The Courage to Teach award was named in memory of Holocaust survivor Leo Weiss. Leo believed unequivocally in the value of human life – that it is a precious gift that must be defended and cherished. Leo’s message to students was that in the face of adversity, they should remain hopeful for the future and see themselves not as victims of their circumstances but empowered to leave their mark on this earth through hard work and compassion for others. Leo’s commitment to Holocaust education was his contribution to protecting future generations from the horrors he experienced. His legacy lives on in these students.

The award will be presented at the Minnesota and the Dakotas Yom HaShoah Commemoration (Holocaust Remembrance Day) which will take place on Wednesday, April 23, at Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park at 7:00 pm. The annual Yom HaShoah Commemoration honors the memory of the six million Jews and the other victims murdered in the Holocaust. It is free and open to the public.