The Warren Fellowship – created in 2003 and boasting more than 400 alumni – is designed to help educators in the social studies field learn more about the necessary historical and pedagogical tools for teaching future students about the Holocaust. It focuses on developing a corps of preservice educators who want to learn more about the Holocaust and how to teach it in their classrooms effectively.

DeZur was one of only 18 preservice teachers selected for the fellowship.

“Receiving this award is an honor and an incredible opportunity. I’m excited to expand my knowledge of the Holocaust and other historical events. I hope to take the lessons I learn in the fellowship and apply them to my future classroom,” said DeZur. “From classes to my sorority, I have grown so much as a person and have leaped out of my comfort zone, and I continue to receive an immense amount of support. USD has been everything I ever wanted in a college experience."

In addition to learning about the Holocaust and other genocides that have happened around the world, the fellowship enables educators to teach content that comes from unique human perspective. Participants will also be immersed in historical and pedagogical issues related to the Holocaust. Holocaust scholars from across the country will provide historical content, and university faculty and museum educators will provide pedagogical context.

“The fellowship’s goal of providing educators with the skills to teach challenging content with care and respect aligns perfectly with Resse’s teaching philosophy,” said Jing Williams, Ph.D., associate professor in the USD School of Education and one of DeZur’s mentors. “She is committed to learning how to balance the severity of historical events with the need to foster an environment of empathy and understanding in her future students.”

This foundation of personal growth and strong community support at USD has not only shaped Resse’s college experience but has also fueled her passion for meaningful, impactful education. Her evolving perspective as a learner and aspiring educator led her to pursue opportunities like the Warren Fellowship.

DeZur extends her gratitude to Williams and Sara Lampert, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of History, for playing an instrumental role in her education, as they provided “many future classroom lessons.”

DeZur will be teaching at Elk Point-Jefferson High School next semester. In the future, she hopes to teach 10th and 11th grade.

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