Summer Pedagogy Intensive

Program Description

This program incorporates intensive pedagogy webinars paired with one-on-one mentoring and independent work designed to provide essential and practical pedagogical training to novice teachers. Participants will begin the upcoming academic year with a systematic approach to lesson planning and the ability to design educationally-sound curricular units. In addition, they will be equipped with a variety of tools for engaging students and establishing a positive classroom culture.

Participants can choose either an entirely virtual experience or can opt to come to Pardes this summer and pair their pedagogy webinars with in-person learning with the Pardes Summer Program and in-person mentoring.


From a 2020 Summer Pedagogy Intensive participant:

It was great working with the JSITT educators. I felt very inspired to become a better teacher and understand the students and their actions. I really enjoyed planning lessons with my mentor and I felt confident in teaching. I enjoyed the lectures that taught me so much important information and techniques. I loved the whole experience and I’m very thankful for this opportunity.

– Eden A., Lauder Ort Jewish Elementary School

Participants will engage in six hours of interactive webinars per week, to be complemented by one-on-one mentoring designed to help participants apply their learning from the webinars to their own curriculum designing and lesson planning. Participants can expect to devote about 15 hours a week to the program.

More detail about the webinar topics:

  • Introduction to an Understanding by Design approach to designing curriculum to ensure that learning goals and authentic summative assessment is what drives teacher’s planning
  • Step-by-step walkthrough of systematic lesson planning (with a focus on formative assessment), which is aligned with a unit’s larger goals
  • Exploration of several techniques (many Jewish studies specific) and resources that help teachers engage students in Jewish studies learning (havruta, bibliodrama, facilitating class discussion, thinking routines)
  • Introduction to some practical ways to approach establishing a positive class culture and classroom management

The Summer Pedagogy Intensive is designed both for Jewish studies teachers already working at a day school and for those who plan to begin teaching at the start of the upcoming school year. Participants should already have subject knowledge background but little-to-no formal pedagogy training.

The 12 two-hour-long pedagogy webinars will run over the course of four weeks in July online from 12:15 – 2:15 PM Eastern. (Exact dates of the webinars are TBD.)

The (up to) nine hours of 1-on-1 virtual mentoring are rather flexible but should be scheduled between the middle of June and early August of 2023.

The optional in-person beit midrash Torah classes will run at Pardes in Jerusalem between July 3 – 20.

This program costs $1,600 USD. Please inquire about the possibility of receiving a reduced rate.
Please note: Final admittance into the program is dependent upon a commitment of payment of the program fee.

Email Avi Spodek at avi@pardes.org.il for more information or click here to apply now.

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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