In 2007, the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Awards program instituted a new procedure for requesting Professional Development Stipends. Following are updated processes and procedures for 2010 Awards Winners:

1. A teacher proposes professional development opportunities that meet the guidelines of the Awards Program to their local contact person (in the central agency or federation).

2. The community contact submits requests that meet the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Awards Program guidelines to JESNA.

3. Upon receipt of the Professional Development Stipend request and all applicable receipts, JESNA will forward the stipend funds to the professional development provider (e.g., conference provider, organization sponsoring a class, etc.), or reimburse the community or individual teacher for expended funds.

The new procedures have raised a number of questions regarding guidelines for appropriate use of the stipend. In response to this, JESNA has created this FAQs document in order to clarify the new procedures for teachers and community contacts.

How much is the professional development stipend?
$1,000

Who provides the professional development stipend?
The funders of the stipend are the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and the Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life. JESNA does not provide the stipend; we simply administer and monitor the process.

I am a teacher. How do I request my stipend?
Contact the coordinator of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Awards Program at your central agency or federation. They have a form that you and the coordinator must fill out together detailing how you wish to use the stipend. The coordinator will then submit the form to JESNA. Subsequently, JESNA will review the form to validate that the request fits into the funder’s guidelines for the award.

What are the funders’ general guidelines for the stipend?
The funders of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Awards intend for the stipend to be used to further the Award Winner's professional development. Examples of professional development opportunities that are in line with the funders’ guidelines include: academic courses, ulpan classes, national or local conferences for Jewish educators, and organized trips to Israel. Please see below for further details regarding each of these categories.

How many years after winning the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award can I use my stipend?
You may use your stipend for up to two years from the time that you were notified of the award. For example, if you were notified in June, 2010, you have until June, 2012, to use the stipend. Please contact JESNA if you have questions about professional development opportunites available only during the summertime.

Can I use my stipend toward academic courses?
Yes, the stipend can be used towards courses at an accredited Jewish or secular academic institution. You can use the stipend for coursework that is being utilized towards a degree that will further advance your teaching career, or you may use the stipend to take courses as a non-matriculated student at an accredited Jewish or secular academic institution.

Following are some of the past Awards Winners' most popular choices:

COLLEGES:

Loyola: Jewish Education Leadership Program
Nova Southeastern University
Siegal College
Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies
Touro College
Yeshiva University: Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education

OTHER JEWISH EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

Pardes
Nishmat Summer Program

Can I use the stipend to hire private tutors to teach me a specific skill?
The stipend cannot be used to pay for private tutors or private lessons.

Can I use the stipend to pay for a course of independent study?
As a general rule, the stipend is meant to be used for study that is under the auspices of an accredited academic institution. However, you may submit a written proposal for independent study which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Can I use my stipend to go on a trip to Israel?
Yes, as long as it is a trip for the purpose of attending an organized program that is geared specifically toward Jewish educators. Other Israel-based professional development plans will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Can I use my stipend to attend national conferences?
Yes, you may use your stipend to attended conferences designed for Jewish educators. Requests to attend secular educational conferences will be approved on a case-by-case basis. Here are some of the most popular conferences that past Grinspoon-Steinhardt Awards Winners attended:

Yad Vashem Conference

NATE Conference (National Association for the Teaching of English)

BER Conference on Best Strategies to Teach Young Writing

National Association for the Education of Young Children Conference

CLAD Program for Language Acquisition Techniques

Can I use my stipend to buy materials for my classroom?
In general, the intention of the funders is for the stipend to be used for professional development rather than materials. However, you may use up to $100 for classroom materials. Requests for amounts greater than $100 will be denied.

Can I personally be reimbursed for the $1,000 if I have already used my own money to attend a seminar, academic course, etc.?
Yes, simply indicate on the stipend request form (that you will fill out with your community coordinator) that you are applying for a reimbursement. In order to receive the reimbursement you must submit a receipt from the professional development provider detailing the exact expenses to be reimbursed.

I have a question that is not addressed in the FAQS, who can I contact?
Please feel free to call Marcie Yoselevsky at JESNA: 212-284-6895 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .