This issue is particularly important at this time in light of the current shortage of qualified personnel for senior level positions. JESNA serves as a resource to both communities who need educators and to candidates who are in need of a new position

JESNA Recommendations:

Based upon years of experience, JESNA has found that certain activities that are often considered normal operating procedure in the business community are not appropriate for educational placement. Since most qualified Jewish educators are active members of their respective professional organizations, they often limit their search activities to working through the placement service of their organization. This means that several very basic approaches frequently utilized by search committees will not increase their pool of acceptable candidates. As a result, JESNA recommends that communities or schools:

• Not advertise in general publications or in Jewish publications outside of their own community. It has been shown that such advertisements are both an unnecessary use of funds and attracts candidates who lack proper credentials. This is particularly relevant since the Jewish educator’s organizations strongly recommend that their members only work through the placement services.
• The one exception to advertising is the local Jewish press. There are many educators who are interested in developing full-time careers in the field of Jewish education but who are unable to move to other communities and, therefore, do not look for a position through the placement services. These individuals need to have an opportunity to learn about the positions in their local communities.
• Not make direct contact with candidates outside of their own communities. Experience has shown that candidates who have been contacted by other communities are often placed in difficult positions with their current employers. We certainly recognize that it is an honor to be invited to be a candidate for a more prestigious position; however, once an educator has expressed interest in such a position or word that a contact has been made "leaks" out to the community, the educator’s position may be jeopardized.
• By having an appropriate placement service initiate contact with a potential candidate, proper confidentiality will be maintained. Furthermore, when a national placement director makes the initial contact, it is viewed as a proper function of the position, thus, the contact is non-threatening.

It is extremely important that all parties who are involved in the search process maintain the highest level of professional ethics in order to assure that educators in the field have adequate opportunities for professional advancement and growth, while at the same time maintaining their dignity and family security.