Educators
Learning is central in Judaism. The Torah is the ultimate teaching; God is the supreme instructor; and humanity’s prime identity is to be a student. Jewish tradition honors teachers in many ways…It praises teachers because they are a vital link in guiding humanity to its ideal prophetic state. Once that state is attained, then war will be no more and peace, compassion, and justices shall reign supreme.
Dr. Moshe Dov Shualy in “In Praise of Teachers”
The Educational Services Department of the Bureau provides the resources that teachers need to flourish in the classroom. We are here to support schools and individuals in their efforts to provide high quality, dynamic Jewish education in greater Rhode Island. The department:
- provides and promotes professional development
- establishes and monitors standards
- promotes the status of Jewish educators
- produces and helps others to produce educational materials
- maintains collections of instructional materials
- serves as a liaison and consultant to the principals, teachers and schools
For more information in any of these areas, please contact Lawrence Katz at 401.331.0956 x179 or via email at: lkatz@bjeri.org.
Additionally, the Educational Services Department oversees the Bureau’s Special Education program for pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah students in areas synagogue schools. Beth Brier coordinates the Special Education program and can be reached at 401.331.0956 x223 or via email at: bbrier@bjeri.org.
Teaching is a fragile art. Something moves a teacher’s heart. The heart causes words to flow. The teacher’s voice then sends moving molecules of air across the room. With luck, they reach the student’s ears. And, perhaps, they then move the student’s heart.
Kotsker Rebbe
For more information on Bureau programs for educators, click here.