Twelfth Annual New Directors of Education Institute 2012

Sponsored by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

A conference for new or entering education directors, principals, cantors, and rabbis who will be heading congregational religious schools, and directors of congregational learning.

• Brochure for 2012 program
• Application for 2012 program

This three-day institute and yearlong coaching program will begin on Tuesday, June 19, at 10 a.m. and conclude on Thursday, June 21, at 4 p.m. The year, it will be held at the Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center in Reisterstown, Maryland.

The institute is designed for new directors of education who have less than three years of experience. Participants will complete the institute with many tools and will understand the meaning and importance of becoming an educational leader.

The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism promotes the role of the synagogue in Jewish life in order to motivate Conservative Jews to perform mitzvot encompassing ethical behavior, spirituality, Jewish learning, and ritual observance. United Synagogue's mission is to strengthen and serve our congregations and their members.

Seminar Content

• Experience a variety of teaching methodologies, with emphasis on experiential and interactive models of teaching and learning
• Create tactics for developing partnerships with clergy, parents and lay leaders
• Develop plans for first-time and subsequent meetings and programs with parents, teachers, students, lay leaders, rabbis, and the community
• Explore models of best practices in education for the 21st century
• Discuss approaches to teacher supervision and staff professional development
• Collaborate with new and experienced educators to form your own personal style of leadership

Reflection

• Reflect on the differences between an educational leader and an administrator and how you can serve in both roles
• Explore the culture of the institution that supports your school
• Develop a positive and productive stance toward the stakeholders in your institution
• Consider how vision and values inform practice
• Contemplate your own leadership style and how you can maximize your strengths for successful management

Resources and Sources

• Yearlong personal and team coaching for effective leadership
• Step-by-step administrative almanac and manual on CD
• Articles, documents, and sample letters for every occasion
• Jewish texts that are specific to religious school curricula and programming
• Books, memberships, and resources to make your job easier
• Collegial network of Jewish educators who will bolster your spirit as well as your skills

The New Directors of Education Institute will be led by Susan Wyner, United Synagogue's consultant for synagogue education and Wendy Light, United Synagogue consultant for Framework for Excellence and Placement. Guest speakers will round out the NDI faculty.

Program Information

Costs: Registration is due by June 1; registration later than June 2 is non-refundable. The cost is $500 for a shared room or $600 single occupancy (while the supply of single rooms lasts). With recent changes in airline schedules and practices, we recommend that you arrive on Monday so you don't miss the start of NDI. It's important to be there then! It costs only $35 more for a room for that extra night and breakfast.

Costs include room and all meals, a director's manual on CD, and plenty of helpful materials. Participating congregations are expected to arrange and pay for transportation to Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), transfers between BWI and the Pearlstone Center, and accommodations before and after NDI as necessary. The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism largely underwrites the costs for the institute and the full year of mentorship.

Registration: Email Susan Wyner and she will email you a registration form that you can email back, or download it. To hold your place, send a check, payable to the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, to Susan Wyner, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Education Consultant Services, 2550 Windy Hill Drive, Pepper Pike, OH 44124. Registration is limited to 30 participants from United Synagogue-affiliated congregations on a first-come first-served basis.

Questions? Call Susan Wyner at 440 473-3165 or email wyner@uscj.org.

Feedback from Members of Last Season's NDI Group

"Starting a new job as an education director was a bit scary, but having the whole NDI gang and especially Sue and Wendy behind me was and still is so valuable. Every question, idea or fear landed me right inthe supportive hands of this wonderufl group of people, who were more than happy to share their suggestions or materials. The comforting thought that I'm not alone in this boat, having to paddle through all kinds of waters, has been very significant and inspiring."

- Na'ama Yarden
Education Director
Or Shalom, Berwyn, PA

"Beyond the value of the learning over the three days at NDI is the development of a commuhity of colleagues - with different strengths, backgrounds and circumstances, who are all nevertheless in the same boat - as dedicated directors of congregational schools. The collaboration in conference calls and email communcations is helpful, and as we share creative ideas, material resources, and supporti in our work we receive an invaluable opportunity to connect with people who will understand each other's predicament better than those with whom we work. NDI is engaging and enriching."

- Rabbi Arielle Hanien
Director of Education
Temple Beth Shalom, Long Beach, CA

"I feel that the biggest benefit I received from going to NDI was the networking with other new directors in the group. Plus the monthly phone conferences have incresed my knowledge about my new job. I have received so  many  new ideas to use with the children at my synagogue, so the entire congregation can benefit from NDI - you, the children, the families and teachers. United Synagogue should be proud of what is has accomplished. Sue Wyner and Wendy Light are always there to share their expertise in Jewish education.

- Beth Weiner Gross
Education/Youth Director
Temple Emanuel, Virginia Beach, VA

"One word - resources. As a new director, NDI provides the kind of resources that are useful at every level. The human resources as feedback and fellow brainstormers,the professional advice and reflection on the myriad of topics and issues tha arise as you begin your new journey are priceless. There is of course the tremendous resource of people on the ground with you sharing, planning, kvelling (and sometimes doing a little bit of necessary kvetching). Joining NDI means you are never alone. You are always a click, an email, or a phone call away from the information and support you need."

- Tehilah E. Eisenstadt
Religious School, Youth and Family Education Director
Huntington Jewish Center, Huntington, NY

"Attending NDI gave me the sure footing I needed to begin my work as director of congregational learning at a large Conservative synagogue. I brought home a whole backpack filledwith nuts and bolts, from insights about dealing with laypeople and teachers to tachlis programs with which to oopen school and show off student work. I also became connected to a vast network of oustanding educators, many of whom have held my hand during the fist year on the job. All this and a ton of fun and good humor too.'"

- Rabbi Daniel Aronson
Director of Congregational Learning
Ohev Shalom of Bucks County, Richboro, PA