PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Professional Development Grants
Our professional development grants provide opportunities for Jewish educators in the Greater Hartford area to learn new skills, advance their knowledge, and get creatively inspired. Education can be onsite, ongoing, or via a conference. Learning may include:
- Online workshops
- Unique courses suited to your teaching needs
- Inviting a speaker to your school
- Traveling as a group to an exhibit
Click here to download a professional development grant application.
Mitnick Jewish Education Conference
The Deborah and Morton Mitnick Jewish Education Conference is an opportunity for Jewish educators in Greater Hartford to come together for professional development and community building.
Partially supported by a grant from the Deborah and Morton Mitnick Jewish Education Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford, this conference honors Deborah and Morton Mitnick, Greater Hartford Jewish residents who shared a love of learning and education.
Past conferences have included:
- 2017 Mitnick "On the Road" Education Series: Crash Course for Synagogue School Teachers, Best Practices for Teaching Hebrew, and Pre-Service Training for Teens Who Teach
- 2016 Students as Investigators: Project Based Learning with Meredith Katz, Ed.D.
- 2015 Learner Centered Teaching with Professor Zachary Lasker
To learn more, please contact Carrie Berman.
Dr. Alfred Weisel Grants for Innovative Programming
Every year, teachers and schools have the opportunity to apply for a $500 grant from the Alfred and Helen Weisel Education Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation. These grants were established to assist schools, synagogues, and institutions in expanding educational opportunities for students and families. The grants help teachers create new and exciting programs for each school year.
Recent grantee programs include:
- Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation – Emek Shalom - Shabbat Shule-In for Grades 5 & 6
- Hebrew High School of New England - Shabbatonim: Iym Ayn Ani Li, Mi Li
- Congregation Beth Israel - PreK Family Program
- The Bess and Paul Sigel Hebrew Academy - Al Tashlichenu l’Eit Ziknah, Do Not Forget Me in My Senior Days: Intergenerational Jewish Bonding
Consultation and School Services
LEED staff are happy to provide schools with consultation services. LEED consultants are also available to observe teachers, visit schools, and provide educational resources to local educators regarding lessons and curriculum, professional development, and strategic planning.
LEED also assists schools and teachers with staffing needs and job placement. Resumes may be sent to Carrie Berman to be forwarded to the Jewish schools any time throughout the year.