Dr. Heather Goins Tolbut, a dedicated educator at Martinsville High School, has been selected as one of only a handful of teachers nationwide to join the 2025-26 Museum Teacher Fellowship (MTF) Program at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
Established in 1996, the MTF program develops a national corps of highly trained educators who advance Holocaust education in schools, communities, and professional organizations. Each year, the Museum selects up to 15 middle and high school teachers who demonstrate exceptional knowledge of Holocaust history, a strong commitment to education, and active involvement in their communities.
As a Museum Teacher Fellow, Dr. Tolbut will be immersed in Holocaust history, remembrance, and pedagogy. Fellows receive in-depth training and support to develop and deliver professional development workshops in their local areas using the Museum’s resources. The primary goal of the fellowship is to expand access to high-quality Holocaust education across the United States.
“I am honored to be part of this meaningful work,” said Dr. Tolbut. “Teaching the Holocaust is not only about history—it’s about humanity, responsibility, and the ongoing fight against hate. I look forward to bringing these lessons to educators in my community and beyond.”
“Dr. Tolbut is an outstanding educator who cares deeply about her students,” said Superintendent Dr. Zebedee Talley. “She exhibits professionalism, intellect, and passion while upholding a high standard of excellence. She is absolutely deserving of this prestigious honor.”
Fellows are selected from among participants in the Museum’s Belfer National Conference for Holocaust Education, as well as from an extensive application process. The program empowers teachers to lead transformative professional development experiences that inspire others to teach the Holocaust with accuracy, empathy, and purpose.
This is the latest in a series of honors for Dr. Tolbut. Last year, she was selected to attend the Sphere Summit at the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C., and in 2022 was chosen for the Lincoln Fellowship through the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.
For more information about the Museum Teacher Fellowship Program, visit https://www.ushmm.org.
