MaTaRoT 2022-2023 Course Descriptions
Individualized Coaching Sessions
Instructor: MaTaRoT Faculty
Dates: Agreed upon between faculty coach and participant
Time: Agreed upon between faculty coach and participant
Cost: See below for pricing
Location: Zoom
Register: Returning Applicants & New Applications
Pricing
| Leadership Coaching | Small Synagogue (up to 200 member units) | Medium Synagogue (200-450 member units) | Large Synagogue (over 450 member units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consulting (sliding scale as one of the 10 CJP Schools) | $550 | $1000 | $2000 |
The professional development team at Hebrew College is available for a set of individualized coaching sessions. Educators partner with an experienced coach to develop and deepen skills in areas such as change management, interpersonal communication, supervision, leadership, etc. to achieve professional goals.
Deadline for 2022-2023 new and returning applications is July 18, 2022.
Program in Instructional Leadership (PIL)
Instructor: Susan Morrel, M.A.R.E.
Dates: TBD
Time: Thursdays, 10:00-11:30am
Cost: $360 per year. This is a two year program.
Location: Zoom
Register: Register Now
The Program in Instructional Leadership is for congregational school leaders who want to strengthen the teaching and learning in their settings through participating in a Professional Learning Community. This group of school leaders comes together over a two year period to strengthen the vision and skill for teacher development in their programs, to learn and practice the core skills of mentoring teachers, to share experiences, and to identify and discuss key challenges and opportunities in the field of Jewish supplementary education. Participants in the program will gain a deep understanding, along with the necessary skills, to motivate, inspire, and empower teachers to improve the teaching and learning in their supplemental school classrooms. As part of the program, the instructor visits each participant’s site to co-observe a teacher, and then reflect on the observation and its follow-up. Topics include Instructional Core Triangle; Our Stance; Map of Pedagogical Knowledge; Classroom Observations/Naming & Framing; Pre and Post Observation Meetings; Providing Feedback; Coaching; Reflective Questioning; Text Study; Co-Planning; Co-Teaching; Classroom Walk-Throughs; Creating a Professional Learning Community.
Want more information? Email Susan Morrel: smorrel@hebrewcollege.edu.
Community of Practice
Title: Facilitating Difficult Topics and Conversations: Fostering Civil Discourse in our Classrooms & Communities (a three-session workshop and Community of Practice)
Instructor: David Rhodes
Workshop Dates: Nov. 28; Dec. 5; Dec. 12
CoP Dates: Jan. 10; Feb. 7; Mar. 14; April 11; May 9 (dates may change based on the needs of the participants)
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. EST
Cost: See below
Location: Zoom
Register: Register Now
How do we talk about things that truly matter in our classrooms and communities? Engaging in civil discourse means bringing your mind, heart, and conscience to reflective conversations on important topics in ways that allow you to extend your understanding in dialogue with others. In a series of three workshops, grounded in Facing History philosophy and pedagogy, we will explore tools and techniques to build the conditions for civil discourse and difficult conversations in the classroom and beyond. We will also bring a focus to the inner work necessary to hold space for dialogue, with attention to mindset, identity, bias, and emotional awareness. Questions and examples from participants will be incorporated into the learning. This series of three 90-minute workshops is open to anyone interested in exploring and engaging in the topic.
Following the workshop series, Jewish educators are invited to participate in a focused community of a practice to explore facilitation challenges and difficult conversations in school settings on topics such as racism, antisemitism, political divisiveness, violence in schools and more. Educators will meet once a month, January to May, with topics centering on the specific contexts and goals of participants in the group.
Cost
| CJP School | Small Synagogue (up to 200 member units) | Medium Synagogue (200-450 member units) | Large Synagogue (over 450 member units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 participant | $125 | $145 | $175 |
| 2 participants | $200 | $230 | $280 |
| 3 participants | $270 | $315 | $375 |
*The cost for each additional participant above three is $80-small school/$95- medium school/$110- large school
**Non-CJP participant cost $220 for the first person and $150 for additional individuals.
***Limited financial aid is available for those who qualify. Please contact Susan Morrel: smorrel@hebrewcollege.edu
Short Courses
Classroom Management – Building a Culture of Learning in the Hebrew Classroom
Instructor: Dr. Esty Gross
Dates: October 25, November, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. EST
Cost: $400/person; $360/person in a Prizmah School
Location: Zoom
Register: Register Now
The reality of a heterogeneous Hebrew classroom can be challenging in terms of planning lessons and teaching a class with students from a range of proficiency levels, learning styles and interests. Teaching can be even more challenging if you have ongoing behavior issues with your learners. For teachers to teach and for students to learn, teachers need to establish routines and mutual respect in their classroom. If you are a new teacher, switching grade levels, or an experienced teacher who notices that your current classroom management plan isn’t working, you may need more than just a new strategy from a colleague or the internet. You need a classroom community support plan that is informed by research! In this course we will review and analyze examples of classroom policies, procedures and norms for student engagement and draft a plan to support equitable student engagement that meets your students, your style and your school’s policies and culture.
Hebrew and Israeli Culture – through the lens of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Instructor: Dr. Carmit Burstyn
Dates: February 13, 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. EST
Cost: $400/person; $360/person in a Prizmah School
Location: Zoom
Register: Register Now
Hebrew teachers will learn how to raise their students’ awareness toward issues of personal and collective identity and help cultivate change agents who impact their local Jewish communities, Israeli society and the world, using Hebrew language.
Second Language Acquisition – From Theory to Classroom Practice
Instructor: Dr. Rina Kreitman
Dates: April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. EST
Cost:$400/person; $360/person in a Prizmah School
Location: Zoom
Register: Register Now
In this course we will discuss theories of second language acquisition, starting from the definition of language acquisition to discussions of ultimate attainment, what is possible in the language classroom. We will discuss fundamental ideas as well as review the acquisition of different linguistic skills from sound through vocabulary, structure and use of word in context. We will also discuss optimal pedagogical methods given the process of language acquisition as well as discuss physiological, more specifically, neurological aspects of language acquisition and how language alters the brain and our perception.
From Purim to Shavuot
Instructor: Dr. Susie Tanchel
Dates: Coming soon
Time: Coming soon
Cost: Coming soon
Location: Zoom
Register: Coming soon
In this course, perched between the holidays of Purim of Pesach, we will explore texts central to each of the spring holidays. Our study will begin with an exploration of the ever-compelling character of Esther in the Book of Esther. We will focus our attention on turning points in her story, and consider how the themes of choice, gender roles, and power inform the story, and ultimately, alter the course of history. Thereafter, we will turn to the themes of the story of the Exodus by reading selected biblical texts. Here too, we will focus on several key characters’ choices and moments of discovery, including the story of Moses. Finally, we will end our class with a close study of the Haggadah by looking at the history and possible meanings of certain key texts. During this interactive course we will discuss and explore many different topics, including identity formation and the responsibilities associated with freedom.
The Spiritual in Jewish Education
Instructor: Rabbi Dr. Michael Shire
Dates: March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. EST
Cost: $175/person
Location: Zoom
Register: Register Now
Jewish education has been primarily concerned with the transmission of knowledge, acquisition of skills and developing Jewish identity in people. However, many people wonder if any of this ‘sticks’ as a child grows up in a multi-cultural, multi-faith world. One aspect of cultivating religious identity has been missing from Jewish educational practice and that is nurturing the spiritual growth of the individual as an explicit aim of our educational practice. We seem to shy away from this practice in our schools and synagogues, often thinking that spiritual practice and a person’s being with God are not part of the Judaism we know. However, not only is nurturing spiritual practice part of the essence of Judaism, it has also been a long component of Jewish education but largely ignored in our times. This course seeks to explore the cultivation of the spiritual life of the individual drawing upon the research, particularly but not exclusively of children’s spirituality. I will offer a Jewish lens with which to view this spirituality that comes from our traditional sources and from contemporary thinking including Social and Emotional Learning, Mindfulness and Thriving. We will explore innovative and creative practices for Jewish education in our educational settings for children, adolescents and adults. Deeping our understanding of this field will determine the very way we see the overall and expanded purpose of a Jewish Education.
Workshops for Jewish Educators
SEPTEMBER
Title: How can we prepare OURSELVES for the New Year? An hour with Dr. Betsy Stone for Jewish Educational Leaders.
Instructor: Dr. Betsy Stone
Dates: September 13, 2022
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST
Cost: Free
Location: Zoom
Register: Register Now
During Elul we prepare ourselves for the physical and spiritual hungers associated with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. We may decaffeinate, or recite Psalm 27, or even make resolutions for our behavior. These days, educators scramble to figure out hybrid and live learning environments, hire and supervise new teachers, enroll students and talk to parents, and so much more. What we often don’t do is to take time to care for ourselves. We put that off until tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow. Spend an hour with your peers and Dr. Betsy Stone focusing on OUR hungers, OUR yearnings.
NOVEMBER
Title: Madrichim: They’re Good For More Than Just Sharpening Pencils. Partnering with Teens to Make Your Classroom More Inclusive & Accessible Instructor: Sandy Gold & Mia Hyman
Dates: November 8, 2022
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST
Cost: Free
Location: Zoom
Register: Register Now
Teens who work in our schools and programs can be essential partners in helping a school be more inclusive and accessible to diverse learners. This session is intended for educators and directors who are interested in learning how teen madrichim can become active, valuable collaborators in the religious school setting. Participants will walk away from this session with an understanding of the kinds of concrete strategies that teens can help implement which focus on key areas such as assessing and understanding why students engage in certain behaviors, and adjusting and adapting the environment to help students be successful in the classroom.
DECEMBER
Title: Designing and Re-designing Programs: Creative Thinking and Innovation in Jewish Education
Instructor: Yafit Shriki Megidish
Dates: December 13, 2022
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST
Cost: Free
Location: Zoom
Register: Register Now
As the Executive Director of Studio 70 in Berkeley, CA, Master Educator Yafit Shriki Megidish has led the creation of unique programs such as Midor LeDor, Yotzrot Makom, and Edah. Tapping into the market of what Jewish teens, kids and parents are looking for in afterschool enrichment, these programs have been widely recognized for their innovation and engagement. In this one-hour session, you will be introduced to the process of designing and re-designing programming, from identifying audiences and needs to acquiring tools for unleashing creativity and innovative thinking with your staff.
JANUARY
Title: Creating Relational Space, Creating New Norms for Dialogue
Instructor: Kathy Simon
Dates: January 24, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST
Cost: Free
Location: Zoom
Register: Register Now
It’s a sad fact of our society — and in most schools — that we’re not that skilled at talking through difficult issues. We tend to avoid topics that are likely to cause strife or controversy, or we engage those topics in ways that leave somebody or everybody feeling hurt and disconnected. We know that relationships and communication are at the heart of teaching, learning, and collaborating, and so lifting the level of our skills at communication is essential to our power as educators. In this brief workshop, we’ll explore ways of guiding difficult conversations in ways that are more likely to be engaging, encouraging, and productive for everyone involved.
FEBRUARY
Title: Chesed: The Core of Connection and Creating Community
Instructor: Gina Tzizik
Dates: February 28, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST
Cost: Free
Location: Zoom
Register: Register Now
This workshop will explore how Chesed and Loving-kindness can transform your classroom and provide a foundation for a lifetime of robust connections, fulfillment, and the ability to contribute and adapt to a changing world. In this workshop we will explore practical ways to introduce materials and practices to integrate Chesed loving-kindness into your classroom and community. This is a hands-on interactive workshop!
MARCH
Title: From the Narrow into Expanse: A Pre-Passover Ritual
Instructor: Amalia Mark
Dates: March 21, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST
Cost: Free
Location: Zoom
Register: Register Now
Join Mayyim Hayyim for a liberatory handwashing as we prepare for the holiday of Passover. We will learn about mikveh and immersion as models of ritual liberation and transition. Using text study and a guided journaling process, we will explore what we want to leave behind in our own “narrow places” and how we will journey towards expansive possibility. The hour will end with a collective “mikveh moment” of a Passover themed handwashing. No experience with mikveh, text study, or Passover necessary!
Materials needed: A large empty bowl, a vessel filled with water, hand towel, pen/paper/favorite way to journal
APRIL
Title: Bringing Memory to Life
Instructor: Sarah Palmer
Dates: April 25, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST
Cost: Free
Location: Zoom
Register: Register Now
Yom HaZikaron and other Israeli national holidays can be challenging to authentically observe and teach in the diaspora. As we observe Yom HaZikharon together we will explore and study some of the rich resources from the National Library of Israel (NLI). Our session will provide us with the opportunity to study and commemorate together. We’ll learn how to navigate the educator guides and curated primary sources such as photographs, posters, newspaper articles, maps, music, and more. We will dive into NLI’s resources for Yom HaZikaron and give you the tools to infuse your curriculum with primary sources that will enrich your teaching of any Jewish theme.