North American Students Program
Melamdim School for Teacher Education develops a new generation of outstanding Jewish studies teachers. Melamdim provides distinguished graduate students from North America with intensive training in the philosophical foundations of Judaism and the pedagogical skills required to turn high school Jewish education into a transformative experience.
Melamdim brings together distinguished graduate students who are committed to a teaching career in Jewish studies. In partnership with Tel Aviv University, Melamdim offers a Master of Arts in Jewish Thought, Bible or Rabbinics, as well as a full scholarship and annual stipend.
Melamdim comprises intensive Jewish studies at Shalom Hartman Institute's Jerusalem campus, graduate level courses at Tel Aviv University, and hands-on teaching experience in North American and Israeli high schools. It provides students with:
- A unique framework of pluralistic Jewish study in a binational, cross-denominational environment
- Instruction and personal coaching by prominent Jewish studies scholars and leading educational experts
- A rich and diverse range of field trips, cultural events, and pedagogical workshops
- Hands-on teaching experience with North American high school students studying in Israel
- Assistance in job placement
- On-the-job mentoring during the first two years of teaching
All program graduates must commit to teaching for a minimum of three years following their completion of studies.
Melamdim is the only cross-denominational teacher education program in the Jewish world. Working with graduate students of all denominations it presents a wide range of approaches to Judaism, developing teachers who can engage in and foster diverse Jewish identities and lifestyles.
Methodology: Marrying Theory and Practice
Recognizing that meaningful education is a product of effective form tied to compelling content, Melamdim combines an intensive exploration of Jewish texts and traditions with teaching practical pedagogical training. The program stresses three foci:
- Instruction by leading contemporary scholars in the central subjects of Jewish studies
- Cutting-edge educational theory and practice with leading educational experts
- The integration of these two into a powerful repertoire of educational skills under the guidance of master teachers
Career: Nationwide Networking
Leveraging Hartman Institute's vast experience in working with numerous educational institutes, Melamdim operates through an established network of high schools across North America and Israel. This partnership serves as an ongoing sounding board, enabling Melamdim directors and faculty to tailor the program to the pressing challenges and needs of Jewish educators in the field. It also facilitates a natural process of job interning and placement for Melamdim graduates.
Rabbi-Educator Program
Melamdim offers an optional Rabbi-Educator track - the first rabbinic ordination program of its kind. Tailored to the distinct professional needs of rabbis who serve as North American community high school educators, the track is open to male and female students who are interested in pursuing a Master of Arts, teaching career and rabbinic ordination at the same time.
Melamdim Fellows receive:
- Full tuition for Tel Aviv University and the Shalom Hartman Institute
- Tuition for Hebrew ulpan
- $10,000 a year living stipend
- Airfare for student-teaching in North America
Melamdim is open to individuals of all denominations from North America only who satisfy the following criteria:
- Bachelor's Degree in Jewish Studies, Bible, Talmud or Jewish Philosophy, or equivalent
- Good knowledge of Hebrew
- Knowledge of classical Jewish texts
- Commitment to fulfill the program's considerable study and work requirements
Faculty
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2009-2010 Class
The 2009-2010 class of Melamdim began in September 2009, with an orientation program, two days of bonding and exploration in Israel's south, and introductory lectures. Read about the beginning of the new year here, and see pictures of some of the new students.
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