Master of Jewish Education

Building on Hebrew College’s long-standing tradition of training outstanding Jewish educators, the Shoolman Graduate School of Jewish Education offers a challenging curriculum that combines the best in educational theory and practice with a solid foundation in Jewish texts and Hebrew language. Students new to the field, as well as professionals seeking to upgrade credentials, may select from a wide array of Jewish education specialties within the master’s curriculum. Graduates enter the profession as Jewish educator-scholars with a deep commitment to lifelong Jewish learning. The 47-credit master’s program includes areas of specialization. Coursework fulfills the core requirements of the RJE (Reform Jewish Educator) credential and may be applied to certification in many states. Certificates are awarded in each area of specialization upon completion of 18–21 credits. We also offer a joint master’s degree in Jewish studies and Jewish education, and a Cantor-Educator program.



Areas of Specialization
Early Childhood Education
Hebrew Language Teaching
Jewish Family Education
Jewish Informal Education, Youth
Leadership and Camping
Jewish Special Education


Early Childhood Education
Hebrew College’s Early Childhood Institute (ECI) integrates the study of Judaism with early childhood education, presenting developmentally appropriate methods for teaching young children about Jewish values, traditions and culture. ECI provides support and guidance for teachers, furthering their Jewish knowledge and understanding of this foundational stage of Jewish education.

Hebrew Language Teaching
Hebrew language is the tie that binds the Jewish people. To reinvigorate Hebrew language in North America and elevate the quality of instruction, particularly within the Jewish day middle school and high school milieu, Hebrew College offers the Certificate in Hebrew Language Teaching. Developed in concert with NETA, this intensive program may be completed in two summers plus a supervised practicum during the intervening school year. A dynamic Hebrew language curriculum designed for students in grades 7–12, NETA is reaching students in more than 75 schools nationwide, as well as in Canada, Australia and Ukraine.

Jewish Family Education
Among the most promising innovations in Jewish education, family education aims to build a broader and more cohesive and literate Jewish community in which the family assumes a central role in providing Jewish experience, growth and learning. Family educators engage all generations in open inquiry into Judaism and its meaning and relevance to their own existence. The Certificate in Jewish Family Education focuses on the analysis and interpretation of Jewish sources and approaches to teaching sources in an adult setting.

Jewish Informal Education, Youth Leadership and Camping
Some of the most challenging and inspiring Jewish learning—particularly for adolescents—occurs outside the formal classroom setting. The Certificate in Jewish Informal Education, Youth Leadership and Camping focuses on the content, methodology and leadership skills that Jewish educators need in order to maximize the “teachable moment,” the essence of informal education. Coursework prepares Jewish educators to serve as effective leaders of informal educational institutions and programs. In particular, the certificate program is designed for youth directors, synagogue program directors, Jewish camp leaders, Israel program leaders and trip leaders. Though a significant emphasis is placed on informal education for adolescents, the certificate applies to experiential programming for students of all ages and complements the field of Jewish family education.

Jewish Special Education
Students with special learning needs are all too often excluded from important Jewish rites of passage and educational opportunities. To ensure that every student has access to effective Jewish education, teachers must be equipped to address multiple learning styles within a variety of educational contexts. This Certificate in Jewish Special Education combines two focused, two-week institutes during consecutive summers with supervised field placements throughout the school year. The curriculum is designed for busy professionals who want to broaden their reach within the Jewish classroom.

TO APPLY
For more information or an application, please contact the Office of Admissions, 617-559-8610, download an application or email admissions@hebrewcollege.edu.