Educator Program
Secular Humanistic educators serve as school directors and expert teachers in communities, developing curricula and educational programs. The Educator Program of IISHJ provides an introduction to establishing Jewish education programs for children, teens, and mixed generation groups. The course of study includes classes on developing curriculum goals and content; learning processes; teaching methods; adapting and creating resources; hiring and training educators.
Admission Requirements
- Membership in the Secular Humanistic Jewish movement
- Completion of application form
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably from leaders in the Secular Humanistic Jewish movement
- Interview with the Admissions Committee
An undergraduate degree is preferred but not required. For more information or to request an application, go to Admissions and Financial Aid.
Requirements for Graduation
- Completion of 5 credit hours of weekend seminars (3 required, 2 elective)
- Completion of the graduate seminar "PS 400 - Jewish Education and Curriculum Planning" (3 credit hours)
- Completion of six papers, one for each seminar
- Completion of 4 supervised fieldwork projects designed to give the students practical experience in their field. (PS 390 - 2 credit hours). The fieldwork projects may be completed concurrently with the program.
The required weekend seminars for the Educator Program are: Roots of Secular Humanistic Judaism (SHJ 100), Basic Ideas of Secular Humanistic Judaism (SHJ 110), Celebration of Jewish Calendar and Holidays (JC 200).
Fieldwork is supervised by the IISHJ Associate Professor of Professional Development in collaboration with a designated Leader/Madrikh(a)/Vegvayzer or Rabbi. The Associate Professor of Professional Development also advises students on program paper or project topics.