Professional Development

Advancing the growth of educators and communal professionals is a core pillar of the Jewish Education Center. Through a range of development opportunities that encourage learning, connection, and collaboration. Regularly convened professional networks foster shared learning and community, while outstanding educators are recognized and celebrated for their contributions to Jewish Cleveland.

A vital component of the work of the Jewish Education Center is to serve as the convener of a variety of professional networks. The Jewish Education Center provides professional development opportunities and funding for educators to expand their professional growth through:

  • Educational conference grants
  • Communities of Practice
  • Professional Growth Plans (PGP) to financially assist with a new degree, license, or certificate
  • Academic and non-academic courses
  • Coaching in new instructional strategies
  • Mentoring

The Jewish Education Center annually honors outstanding teachers for quality teaching with substantial awards intended to be used for continued professional learning:

  • The Ratner-Goldberg Israel Fellowship
  • The Steiger Family Education Grant
  • The Dr. Sylvia Fleck Abrams Award for Special Education
  • The Dr. Lifsa Schachter Early Childhood Educator Award
  • The Libbie L. Braverman Award
  • The S. Lee Kohrman Award in Jewish Experiential Education