The Jewish Studies In-Service Teacher Training Program

Where Jewish Knowledge Meets Pedagogical Confidence

Pedagogy for Jewish Studies

Intensives and webinars providing pedagogical skills designed with the Jewish studies classroom in mind

Individualized Mentoring

Experienced Jewish studies teacher-trainers work one-on-one with teachers to help them thrive

A Supportive Network

Teachers join a network of Jewish studies teachers across North America, providing support and resources

The Jewish Studies In-Service Teacher Training Program (JSITT) is a comprehensive 12-month program designed for Jewish studies teachers. Led by seasoned Jewish studies educators, JSITT provides pedagogical training for current teachers with strong subject expertise but lacking formal teacher training.

The program opens with our 4 week synchronous webinar Summer Pedagogy Intensive. During the intensive, teachers will develop core pedagogical tools, learn to cultivate a positive classroom culture, and prepare for the approaching school year. Participants have the option to join us virtually from anywhere in the world, or come to Jerusalem study in-person at the Pardes beit midrash, and join the intensive in the evening.

Throughout the school year, the professional development continues with a series of online webinars tailored for the Jewish studies teacher. These sessions delve into pedagogical insights and explore unique subjects such as havruta learning in the classroom, meaning mining with Jewish texts, and tefilah education.

Alongside our webinars, JSITT participants will receive one-on-one mentoring from our expert Jewish studies teacher-mentors, including either virtual or in-person classroom observations.

Advance your career as a Jewish educator with a master’s degree from Hebrew University through our exclusive partnership with the Melton Centre for Jewish Education. 

If you’re part of the Pardes JSITT program, your time invested counts for 4 credits toward your Master’s Degree in Jewish Education—a significant step towards your academic and professional goals.

Program Dates

July 2024 – June 2025

  • Summer Intensive: 2 weeks in July
  • Mentoring begins: July
  • Webinars: September – May

Eligibility

  • Already employed as a Jewish studies teacher at a day school
    -or-
  • Plan to begin teaching Jewish studies at the start of the next academic year
  • Have subject background knowledge, but lack formal pedagogical training

Costs

Please contact us to discuss affordable options.

The Summer Pedagogy Intensive

Can’t commit to the year-long JSITT program? Then join us for the virtual 2-week Summer Pedaogogy Intense, combined with expert mentoring, that will hone your skills and help you plan for the upcoming year.  This intensive can also be combined with our Jerusalem-based Jewish Educators Summer Workshop.

 You do not have to be a participant of JSITT or our other programs to attend this virtual intensive.

Speak to Reuven Margrett to learn more and register.

Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Activation

Start date: ASAP

We are seeking a charismatic, creative, and action-oriented Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Activation to lead this initiative. This individual will play a key role in bridging the gap between the immersive Jerusalem-based Pardes experience and the ongoing life-long learning opportunities we offer in North America.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Implement and Iterate Alumni Engagement Strategies:
    • Enhance the current “menu” of opportunities for Pardes alumni to both “give” to
      and “receive” from, Pardes.
      • Give: Empower alumni to take action, create initiatives, and leverage
        Pardes as a platform for leadership and innovation.
      • Receive: Encourage alumni to engage in continued learning through
        classes, retreats, Shabbatonim, cohorts, and other programs.
    •  Ongoing internal evaluation of efficacy of strategies and implementing iterative
      updates to enhance outcomes.
  • Program Development and Management:
    • In collaboration with the wider team, develop and implement ideas for online and in person classes, including holiday programs, one-off shiurim, and limited series.
    • Oversee the execution of programs including but not limited to: email
      correspondence and registration, coordinating with marketing, Zoom production,
      and post-program evaluation.
    • Ensuring cross-departmental collaboration specifically with the engagement and
      development teams
    •  Serve as the project manager for select alumni cohort learning programs,
      ensuring smooth operations and successful outcomes.
  • Community Building and Leadership:
    • Foster strong, relational connections with alumni, encouraging their active
      involvement in the Pardes community.
    • Identify and cultivate connections with key alumni leaders. Lead efforts to inspire alumni to take on leadership roles within their communities, promoting Pardes’ values and educational mission.
    • Cultivate and steward and existing external partnerships with organizations and
      initiatives as it relates to our Pardesnik engagement and activation work
  • Alumni Coaching and Mentorship:
    • Provide coaching and mentorship to alumni interested in developing initiatives, such as micro-grants or local events, and support them in realizing their ideas. This may include group coaching within cohorts.
  • Targeted Recruitment and Outreach:
    • Engage in focused recruitment and outreach efforts to involve specific alumni in relevant Pardes offerings.
    • Collaborate with the wider team to manage recruitment for various programs,
      including necessary follow-up and evaluation.

Qualifications:

  •  Proven experience in alumni relations, community engagement, or a related field.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a talent for building and maintaining relationships.
  • Creativity and initiative in developing new programs and strategies to engage alumni.
  • Passion for Jewish learning and a deep connection to the mission of Pardes.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Willingness to travel as needed to engage with alumni across North America.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Pardes alumna
  • Experience working in Jewish education or community leadership.
  • Familiarity with the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies and its programs.
  • Based in New York City

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience: $70,000-$85,000
    100% health insurance coverage for the employee (dependent coverage available)
  • 403b retirement plan with Nationwide with up to 5% contribution by employer
  • Paid time off & Paid holidays (Jewish and secular)
  • FSA
  • Group Life and Personal Accident Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Remote and hybrid working option and flexible hours
  • Opportunities to travel domestically and to Israel to collaborate across the team
  • Opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and growing organization with a meaningful mission.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and passion for this role. All applications should be sent to Assistant Director of Programs at Monica at monica@pardes.org.

Cover letters should answer the following questions

  • What makes you passionate about this role and work?
  • What concrete professional or personal experiences have prepared you best for this role?
  • What is one project, strategy or initiative that this job description stimulates in you?
  • How do you ensure great teamwork and successful collaboration?
    PLEASE NOTE:

Applications are due by October 8th and interviews will be the week of October 28th. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Pardes North America provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in all organizational facilities without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, (or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer-related or HIV/AIDS-related), genetic information, or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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