Master of Arts in Jewish Education: Day School Track

Earning a master of arts degree in Jewish Education, with a focus on Day School Education, prepares students of the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education of The Jewish Theological Seminary to excel as day school teachers and leaders.

Our program is designed to offer students the advanced knowledge and pedagogical skills they will need as they eventually move into day school teaching positions. During the first half of their degree, students take courses to improve their teaching abilities (e.g., curriculum development and classroom management) and, in the second half, they live the lives of professional teachers in their practicum, working in a local day school two days each week and learning from master teachers.

Opportunity for a Master's Degree in Jewish Studies

Students in the Day School Track at The Davidson School are also encouraged to pursue a simultaneous master's degree in Jewish Studies at The Graduate School. Pursuing a course of study in Bible, Talmud, or Jewish History, for example, deepens students' understanding of Judaism and allows them to engage in rigorous Jewish text study at the highest levels. Being able to demonstrate solid grounding in Jewish content in addition to excellent academic training, also helps students stand out in the job market when seeking a day school position.

Learn about the diverse areas of Jewish Studies offered by The Graduate School.

The Davidson School's full-tuition fellowship program covers students for up to three years, and enables them to complete both of the master's degrees (in Jewish Education and Jewish Studies) in that time.

Expertise in Hebrew

In addition to benefitting from this sophisticated pedagogical, skill-based approach and their newly acquired Judaic knowledge, students become fluent in speaking and reading Hebrew at The Davidson School. Most students enter the Day School Track with a strong base in Hebrew; however, classes are offered to strengthen Hebrew skills for all students at all levels. Fluency in the Hebrew language permits students and teachers to have a more authentic experience with Jewish texts and traditions and deepens their notions of Jewish community and peoplehood.

If you want to . . .

  • Give back to the Jewish community
  • Express your passion for Jewish learning
  • Transmit that passion to the next generation
  • Immerse yourself in practical hands-on training
  • Learn from a mentor
  • Work with children deeply engaged in the rhythms of Jewish life
  • Connect Jewish living with Jewish learning

. . . then The Davidson School is the place for you.

Davidson School graduates are role models for a lifelong path of Jewish intellectual, emotional, and spiritual engagement. Graduates with an MA in Jewish Education and concentration in Day School Education become leaders in their communities as:

  • Teachers
  • Directors of Jewish Studies
  • Heads of Schools

Benefits of Our Program

  • Assigned advisors to guide students through their course work and practicum placements and, of course, setting their future career goals
  • Knowledge of Hebrew
  • Ability to lead and inspire the next generation
  • Immersion in a community of learners that is rooted in Jewish text
  • Learning with one of North America's most renowned Jewish Education faculties

Special Opportunities at The Davidson School

  • Distance Learning—An option for those unable to study in-residence at JTS, as well as for those currently working in Jewish education
  • Visions and Voices Israel Seminar—All full-time, in-residence, first-year students benefit from an exciting and rigorous, fully subsidized, weeklong educational seminar in Israel
  • Kesher Hadash—Students have the opportunity to study in and experience Israel for the semester following the Visions and Voices Isreal Seminar, thereby earning a certificate in Israel Education
  • Ivriyon: Hebrew Immersion—Our Summer Hebrew Immersion Program at no cost to Day School Track students and Day School Teachers
  • First-Year Mifgash—The Mifgash Professional and Personal Development Program is an opportunity for students to meet as a cohort at a weekly forum for community building and reflect on what it means to be a Jewish educator
  • Consortium with Teachers College, Columbia University—Students may enroll in courses at the nation's largest graduate school of education at no additional cost.
  • Summer Sessions—Students have the opportunity to study with expert visiting scholars

Ready to apply?


Through the generous gifts of William Davidson (z"l) and the Jim Joseph Foundation (JJF), The Davidson School is able to offer full-tuition fellowships to accepted students.

The JJF Education Initiative is designed to enhance the quality of Jewish educators working with Jewish youth and young adults. Funding of up to $15 million supports the development of new certificate and degree programs and the training and mentoring of new and practicing education professionals over the next five years.

 

To learn more about requirements, course grids, and your practicum, please review the Academic Bulletin.