Advanced Mentor Teacher Training
This fall, educators from BJE-affiliated early childhood programs began the second year of their journey as BJE’s first cohort to enroll in a special partnership between BJE and American Jewish University’s (AJU) Mentor Teacher Training program. BJE’s second cohort members began their training in August with a 3-day summer intensive at AJU and are now actively participating in the first year of the program.
BJE established this program – which extends AJU’s Jewish Education Excellence Project (JEEP) to a second year of learning and collaboration supported by BJE professional staff to help address the challenge of teacher recruitment and retention in early childhood programs. Mentor teachers are experienced educators who help prepare the next generation of teachers by modeling, coaching, and supporting newer educators.
Throughout the 10-month certification program teachers receive practical experience mentoring a teacher within their school under the guidance of an AJU course instructor. During the second year, BJE convenes the group of mentor educators as a Community of Practice (CoP) learning network, as they continue to mentor other teachers and help create a “mentoring culture” at their schools. The second year is also an opportunity for teachers to continue their professional development through BJE. BJE staff have worked with the mentor teachers to identify areas of growth and arrange for experts to come to upcoming meetings to give the mentors strategies that they can bring back and use to support their mentees.
“It’s exciting to gather as a network now, and teachers are eager to stay connected and share their experiences of bringing the skills they’ve learned into their schools,” said Carly Rosenstein, BJE Director of the Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Education.
“Our educators in Jewish early childhood programs are inclined to be supportive of each other, so I’m very proud of the opportunity we’re giving them to learn complementary professional skills.”
Ms. Rosenberg spoke about a teacher in her school who is a cohort one participant, “Our school has benefitted from Grace's participation in the Jewish Education Excellence Project (JEEP) two-year program with BJE. Through this mentor training program, she has developed valuable skills and gained confidence. This year, Grace is mentoring a new teacher, helping her identify her strengths and set goals for her teaching practice. Grace has become a resource for her colleagues, offering support in curriculum development and classroom management strategies. Her role as a mentor has empowered other teachers to brainstorm with her, aligning with our mission of fostering a collaborative and enriching environment within our school.
For more information, contact Carly Rosenstein, BJE Director of the Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Education.
