Training Workshops

Methodology

Jewish education is dedicated not only to transmission of tradition but to creating the next generation of emotionally healthy Jews.

In order to create a space where learners can develop their souls, not just their minds, educators must enable them to connect safely with their peers. Rather than ignoring or avoiding moments that arise, a proactive "educational Jewish moment" practice helps to create this safe space for learners.

An educational Jewish moment is an "off-the-page" instance that arises in an educational setting when an educator has the opportunity to infuse an event with information from the tradition that transforms the instance into an authentically Jewish, meaning-making experience.

In order for this to happen, an educator has to recognize and overcome any inhibitors and then choose to intervene.

For a complete program overview, download the Evaded Issues Project Overview.

Workshop Options

A description of the workshop options is as follows:

MODEL I: Standalone Session I

Session I is typically two hours in length and will clarify what "evaded issues" in Jewish education are and how they present themselves in one's educational setting. Participants will learn the "educational Jewish moments" four-part methodology with a focus on using the first two parts to address issues when they arise (NAME or identify the issues, and SELECT or clarify/ask questions.) They will also work on building mindfulness, understanding the need to respond, and developing their own response style.

MODEL II: Full Program

The full program consists of Sessions I and II, facilitated by an Evaded Issues trainer, and Session III, run by a local administrator who has been trained by an Evaded Issues trainer. It also includes two post-session consultations, and one evaluation call after all training activities have been completed.

In training Session II, participants will explore research, data, and education around particular evaded issues that seem to be the most prevalent in the training constituency. They will be challenged to think beyond their particular evaded issues and learn about other unaddressed issues such as Internet safety, financial literacy, and drug and alcohol abuse. As the theme of Session II is to CONNECT to resources, teams will look at a variety of resources to help them transform inflammatory moments into educational Jewish moments.

Session III focuses on equipping individual participants with the tools and space to practice crafting their own responses. It drives home the importance of individual work in building a practice of teaching to the whole learner.

MODEL III: Train the Trainers

The "train the trainers" model is two full days of training for local educators so that they can facilitate all elements of the Addressing Evaded Issues training.

For more information on the Evaded Issues project, or to bring a trainer to your community, email evadedissues@gmail.com.

Past Training Workshops

Training seminars have been conducted for:

• Ma'yan's conference on girls (fall 2007)
• Day School Leadership Training Institute (DSLTI) (2007 and 2008)
• Leadership Institute for Congregational School Educators (LICSE) (2007 and 2008)
• The Davidson School's students/educators in training (2007 and 2008)
• Collaboration with Keshet's National Training Institute (May 2008)
• Training session at CAJE annual conference (August 2008)
• Ivry Prozdor High School teachers training (January 2008)
• Board of Jewish Education of Greater New York (January 2009)
• American Jewish University (spring 2009)
• Pressman Academy (spring 2009)

For information on national and local resources engaged in this work, or for examples of professional development opportunities and best practices, please visit the resource guide page.