Religious School Teachers Improve Classroom Skills
In August, BJE held a full-day Responsive Classroom training session for its Religious School Educators Network (RSEN). Over the past year, members of the Network expressed a need for teacher training in the fundamentals of running an effective classroom. With the high teacher turnover since the pandemic, many Religious School teachers never had training in the basics of establishing a well-managed classroom.
With help from members of the RSEN, BJE identified Responsive Classroom, an organization that offers a student-centered, social and emotional learning approach to teaching and discipline. It is comprised of a set of research- and evidence-based practices designed to create safe, joyful, and engaging classrooms and school communities for both students and teachers. The program has six facets to its approach. BJE elected to begin with the facet of Improving Teacher and Student Language. Additional sessions covering other facets of the program will be scheduled based on interest from members of the RSEN.
"Being forced to conduct classes online only throughout the pandemic had an overall negative impact on Religious School instruction," said David Lewis. "This training will help teachers set the tone with their students right at the start of the school year in order to have joyful and productive classrooms. We’re very focused on meeting schools' and teachers' needs so they’re better equipped to meet students’ and families’ needs."
This seminar has crystalized my knowledge and has encouraged me to be a more sensitive and thoughtful educator.
I have learned a lot of new theory and best practices. I am thinking about the ways I will integrate this training into my own practice and into the professional development of teachers.
Thank you for planning and funding such a meaningful learning opportunity for LA teachers. The workshop was outstanding, including modeling engaging pedagogy and modeling of teacher and student language. I’m so grateful that my teachers and I had this opportunity.
The demand from schools was profound; the training was limited to 36 available spaces, and it filled in one day. BJE covered program costs, so schools were only responsible for their teachers’ time and lunches.