About the Program
The Mandel Early Career Educators Program is an 18-month cohort-based fellowship launched in the spring of 2025, with its first cohort set to begin in February 2026. Designed to address a long-standing need for high-quality professional development among early-career Jewish educators, the program deliberately brings together fellows from a diverse range of educational settings, Jewish backgrounds, and perspectives. Fellows will share ideas, aspirations, and professional challenges with one another throughout the fellowship experience, thus developing a network of trusted educators they can turn to for years to come.
This program defines “Jewish educator” broadly, welcoming all those whose work supports individuals in connecting to Jewish life and learning, including youth and engagement professionals, supplementary and day school teachers, camp education staff, and Jewish educators who work in fields such as social justice, the environment, arts, and culture.
It is an 18-month fellowship designed for Jewish educators who are enthusiastic about their work and eager to advance their professional growth. Fellows will have worked as Jewish educators as their primary professional role for at least one year as of September 1, 2025, and no more than six years as of the same date.
Educational Theory and Practice
Fellows grapple with big ideas about teaching, learning and Jewish education as they develop and apply conceptual tools that empower them to become more effective educators.
Personal and Professional Growth
Fellows develop personal and professional capacities that empower them to work, teach and lead more effectively.
Jewish Learning
Fellows grow in their knowledge of Jewish history, texts, traditions and Hebrew, establishing a firmer foundation for a wide range of educational endeavors.
