Ninth Annual New Directors of Education Institute 2008

Sponsored by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism's Department of Education

A Conference for New or Entering Education Directors and Principals of Conservative Synagogue Schools

• Brochure
• Application

This five-day institute and yearlong coaching program will begin on Monday, June 23, and conclude on Friday, June 27. It is designed for new directors of education who have less than three years of experience. At the end of the five days, participants will leave 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. The mission of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism is to strengthen and serve our congregations and their members.

Seminar Content

Reflection

• Think about the differences between an educational leader and an administrator and how you can be both
• Develop a positive and productive stance toward the stakeholders in your synagogue
• Consider how vision and values inform practice

Strategies

• Experience a variety of teaching methodologies
• Develop plans for first-time and subsequent meetings and programs with parents, teachers, students, lay leaders, rabbis, and others
• Investigate documents from other synagogues
• Discuss approaches to supervision and professional development for your staff
• Learn to become a better observer in classrooms
• Plan strategies to develop a partnership with parents and lay leaders
• Engage with texts that you can use in a variety of synagogue venues

Resources

• Monthly administrative almanac and manual
• Articles, documents, and sample letters for almost every occasion
• Texts that are specific to religious school curricula
• “Must have” books, memberships, and resources
• Collegial network
• Yearlong coaching

The New Directors of Education Institute will be led by Serene Victor, United Synagogue Consultant for Synagogue Education, with Rabbi Stuart Seltzer, Director, Chizuk Amuno Congregation Education Center, Baltimore, MD, and Wendy Light, United Synagogue Consultant for Framework for Excellence and Placement.

Feedback from Past Participants

"NDI fosters wonder, creativity, community, confidence and skill in a short amount of time. It’s a gift to Jewish educators."

- Susan Simon, Temple Beth Abraham, Oakland, CA, NDI 2005

"The phone calls and emails are a terrific resource and also a reassurance that I am not the only one facing a particular challenge. I know with Serene, Wendy and Stuart’s help, my NDI group is helping me create the best religious school we can be."

- Charlotte Frank, Adath Shalom, Morris Plains, NJ, NDI 2005

"I have worked as a professional in the Jewish community for over a decade and attended dozens of conferences. NDI surpassed them all in balancing the mix of theory, practice, networking and fun."

- Rabbi Marc Israel, Ohr Kodesh Congregation, Chevy Chase, MD, NDI 2005

"NDI makes you believe in yourself because you realize that others believe in you and will be there whenever you need help. You learn how to be a Jewish educator in a whole new way."

- Tara Johnson, Congregation B’nai Torah, Atlanta, GA, NDI 2005

"I can't imagine a weeklong conference being any more helpful than NDI proved to be.… I’ve remained friends with other participants, and know that if there is ever a question I have about anything, I can send out an email and have responses back within a few hours. The staff is incredible and they have remained helpful throughout the year. It’s a partnership unlike any other."

- Ben Lewis, Temple Sholom, Greenwich, CT, NDI 2005

"NDI gave me a new perspective on synagogue life as a whole functioning system. I refer to NDI as the lifeline for the support that it provided me as a new director."

- Sharon Katz-Solomon, Director of Religious School, Temple Beth Sholom, Roslyn Heights, NY, NDI 2006

"Within 15 minutes of being at NDI, I learned my most important lesson: I am not alone. Apprehension was replaced by relief; nervousness by genuine excitement. Four incredible days of study and laughter have led into a year filled with a cros- continental support system that every Jewish professional dreams of. What will it take for you to grow as both an individual and professional? It will take NDI."

- Pam Rushing, Director of Education and Youth Services, B’nai Zion Synagogue, Chattanooga, TN, NDI 2006

"The NDI experience has allowed me to step back and think before I leap and it has also empowered me to run and laugh in front of my children. Most importantly, it has made me look insightful to my rabbi, school board and parents. My advice: “Don't try leading a school without NDI supervision.”

- Renee Reynolds, Education Director, Ohev Shalom, Prairie Village, KS, NDI 2006

Program Information

Costs: Registration is due by June 2; $675 non-refundable. Registration fee includes costs of a director’s manual on cd, other materials, continental breakfasts, snacks, four lunches, and two dinners. Participating congregations are expected to arrange and pay for transportation to New York, accommodations, and the remaining two dinners. The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism underwrites the conference cost.

Registration: To hold a place, email Serene at victor@uscj.org for an electronic registration form to be returned via email. Checks should be made payable to the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and mailed to Serene Victor, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Department of Education, 27 Chapin Road, Newton Centre, MA  02459.. Registration is limited to 30 participants from United Synagogue-affiliated congregations on a first-come first-served basis.

Housing: You are responsible for making reservations yourself. We recommend the Club Quarters Midtown, 40 W. 45th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues). Call Club Quarters Member Services immediately during business hours at 212-575-0006 or reserve on line at clubquarters.com using the password uscj. Rooms are subject to availability, so make your reservations as soon as possible. Individual rooms are $199 and will be tax-exempt. There are only a limited number of shared double rooms available on a first come first served basis. Call Serene and she will put you in touch with another participant who would like to share.

Questions? Call Serene Victor at 617-964-6844 or email victor@uscj.org.