In 2005, I was teaching second and third grade when I read in the local Jewish News that Temple Solel of Paradise Valley was hiring a new Director. My effort to convince a friend to apply backfired. Instead of her, it was me who applied, and was hired. At the time I thought it was a ridiculous decision, leaving my teaching position with set hours, many breaks, and a fantastic schedule.
Being a teacher was reliable and worked well with my family life. I could be there for my kids when they needed me (they were going to the school where I was teaching). While the pay wasn’t great, the benefits outweighed most alternatives.
Although it was one of the best decisions I ever made, I realized quickly I had a lot to learn. Fortunately, I became involved with ECE-RJ. While ECE-RJ connected me with other Early Childhood Directors on a national level and provided me with guidance and insight, I would have appreciated much needed mentoring from a conference specifically designed for new directors.
This is why I am excited about ECE-RJ’s involvement in the New Directors’ Institute (NDI). NDI is a conference for synagogue Education Directors, Early Childhood Directors, Principals, Directors of Congregational Learning, and Clergy-Educators new in their roles or hired within the past two years. The conference is a collaboration between ECE-RJ, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Jewish Educators Assembly, Cantors Assembly, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Association of Reform Jewish Educators, and Reconstructionist Educators of North America.
The virtual conference will take place July 12-15, 2021. Participants will:
- Learn best practices for educational leadership.
- Become part of a learning community of colleagues.
- Leading Jewish educators facilitate your learning and growth.
- Special sessions designed for Early Childhood Educators.
- Ongoing support and mentorship throughout the year.
I wish the conference was around when I started as a Director. I believe it is so important, members who attend will also receive a complimentary registration to ECE-RJ Virtual Kallah, January 12-15, 2022, and will also receive a $100 membership discount to ECE-RJ if they join by September 1, 2021.
The deadline to enroll is June 25, 2021. For more information and to register, please visit uscj.org/ndi.
