Introduction

Jewish education tops the agenda of the Jewish community in North America.  The need to provide a quality product in both formal and informal settings requires talented and professionally trained educators who have experiences and degrees that have prepared them for their particular roles.  JESNA has therefore prepared the 2010 Guide to Academic Programs in Formal and Informal Jewish Education to aid those seeking to prepare themselves for the field.

The purpose of this guide is to provide general information about academic programs that are designed specifically to prepare people to enter the field of Jewish education.  We have included in this listing all of the programs that are affiliated with the Association of Institutions of Higher Learning for Jewish Education, these programs are noted by a “+” next to their name. We have also included programs in Jewish Communal Service.

In selecting the 'right' program, the prospective student should carefully consider the purposes and goals of the program, the nature and type of faculty, the length of the program, the types of fieldwork internships that are required and the connection that the program has with the field.  Although some of this information is included in this guide, we strongly recommend that each candidate carefully explore these issues with both the admissions director and students at different schools who are either currently enrolled in or have recently completed the programs.

We have designed this guide to be an introduction to the variety of programs offered.  Patterned after guides to colleges and universities, this guide includes information about admission requirements and who to contact for additional information.  Feel free to contact JESNA or the schools themselves to be in touch with current and former students of these programs.

Participants of either Lainer Interns for Jewish Education or Graduate Seminar on Career Choices in Jewish Education, two of JESNA’s highly acclaimed programs, are indicated by an “*” following their names.

+ Indicates programs affiliated with the Association of the Institutions of Higher Learning for Jewish Education

* Indicates alums of JESNA’s Lainer Interns for Jewish Education or Graduate Seminar on Career Choices in Jewish Education

For a list of Academic Programs in Formal and Informal Jewish Education, please click here.