Jewish Teachers Now (JTN), a collaborative effort between JEIC and Touro University, is pioneering innovative strategies to bolster the recruitment and retention of talented Jewish educators. This partnership is dedicated to fostering a robust and sustainable educational ecosystem within the Jewish community.

Supporting Educators through Community-Wide Benefits

One of JTN's key initiatives focuses on enhancing educator retention through a locally-driven model. This approach involves Jewish institutions offering comprehensive discounts to educators, encompassing various expenses such as:

  • Synagogue and JCC memberships

  • School and camp tuition

  • Kosher supermarkets and restaurants

This model provides financial benefits to educators without imposing significant costs on participating organizations. Additionally, educators are issued an identification card, which serves to highlight their status as valued members of the Jewish educational community, framing these discounts as earned benefits rather than subsidies.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Jewish Educators

JTN is also committed to engaging high school students and encouraging them to pursue careers in Jewish education. This initiative includes:

  • Paid Student Teaching Opportunities: High school seniors are offered paid internships, providing them with hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities.

  • Career Day Presentations: Jewish education is showcased as a viable and rewarding career path during school career days.

  • Targeted Outreach Campaigns: A strategic campaign aims to inspire students to consider Jewish education as a lifelong career, highlighting its potential for personal fulfillment and community impact.

Fostering a Life of Meaning and Service

JTN's overarching goal is to inspire young people to explore the profound rewards of a career in Jewish education. By introducing students to the possibilities of this field before they enter college, JTN hopes to cultivate a new generation of dedicated educators who will help shape the future of the Jewish community.

This initiative not only supports educators but also contributes to the long-term vitality of Jewish education, ensuring that our community remains vibrant and committed to its heritage.

Join Us!

Want to expand the Jewish educator pipeline? Contact Sharon Freundel to join JTN’s groundbreaking efforts now.

Strengthening Jewish education from the inside out: Supporting our teachers

JEIC Managing Director Sharon Freundel shares creative solutions for supporting Jewish educators without burdening parents with higher tuition in this eJewishPhilanthropy opinion piece. Read here