NEW JERSEY – The New Jersey Department of Education Monday announced that Douglas Cervi, an
educator for 47 years, has been appointed as executive director of the New Jersey Commission on
Holocaust Education.
He replaces Larry Glaser, who is retiring after serving as a volunteer for the Commission for years before being named executive director in 2016.
“I thank Larry Glaser for his dedication and contributions, and I welcome Doug Cervi as he continues the mission of the Commission on Holocaust Education,” Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet said. “Doug will help ensure that educators have the resources needed to teach students about the Holocaust and genocide, and he will serve as a resource for communities and organizations to promote awareness of the work of the Commission.”
Cervi, who lives in Galloway Township, worked for 41 years as a high school social studies teacher and for the past six years served as adjunct professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Stockton University in Galloway Township. He first became involved in Holocaust education when, over the years as a high school teacher, several students had told him that the Holocaust did not happen. That led him to take part in a four-week training unit on Holocaust education, which then turned into a trip with other educators to see firsthand the Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp.
Cervi said he wants to establish a plan to ensure that teachers in all grade levels have the resources needed to meet the obligation to provide students with age-appropriate instruction on the Holocaust and Genocide.
“My goal is that every student in the State of New Jersey has an understanding that being a bystander only allows bullies on any level to advance their agenda,” Cervi said. “We all have a responsibility to make our communities safe and nurturing.”
He has a bachelor’s degree in History Education from Pennsylvania Military College, which is now Widener University, and he received his master’s degree in Holocaust and Genocide Studies from the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. He is a captain in the New Jersey National Guard.
More information can be found on the Holocaust Education Commission’s website.
