Tag: Jewish Schools & Educational Services

One of CAJE’s greatest strengths lies in our ability to connect. CAJE brings people together strategically, facilitating connections that lead to successful outcomes. Being a great connector is about creating a ripple effect of positive and impactful relationships. By bringing the right people together with intention and authenticity, CAJE contributes to successful outcomes, fosters innovation, and strengthens communities and networks.

Much of what CAJE professionals do is continue their professional learning so they can teach it to others (school directors, administrators and teachers) so that they can teach it to their students. A few weeks ago, CAJE’s Director of Early Childhood and Congregational Education Yehudis Smith joined a select group of early childhood professionals from around the world in the city of Reggio Emilia, Italy for an incredible professional development opportunity.

How does the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE) elevate the teaching taking place in our Jewish school classrooms? Through outstanding professional development workshops that teachers are happy to be part of.

As the Miami community’s central educational agency, CAJE regularly brings together principals and administrators from all of our day schools to discuss timely and important issues facing the entire day school community. What is more timely and relevant than Israel today?

Early childhood educators from across Miami-Dade came together last Thursday night for an evening of learning, connection, and support. Over 145 dedicated teachers and administrators spent two hours learning on Zoom about the most current developmentally appropriate teaching practices in early childhood education.

In the midst of what is transpiring in our homeland of Israel, CAJE’s many departments are working diligently to help our schools and constituencies with resources to help support Israel, find comfort, talk with children and students, and take action.

In the midst of what is transpiring in our homeland of Israel, CAJE’s many departments are working diligently to help our schools and constituencies with resources to help support Israel, find comfort, talk with children and students, and take action.

“Keeping Students at the Center” is the driving philosophy of CAJE’s Day School Professional Development (PD) work (unlike the cartoon above). When it comes to creating PD, we know that one size does NOT fit all, which is why CAJE leverages resources to offer both community-wide and one-to-one support.

Any type of success can be connected to the ability and willingness to work as a team… especially among networks of professionals who are all working towards the same overarching goals. The power of collaboration and connection was palpable at the Jewish Early Childhood Professional Network’s (JECPN) kick-off meeting!

Teachers from 13 schools gathered for training that featured, for the very first time, our brand new Israel mat entitled “Israel: Land of Innovation,” geared towards students who are being introduced to robotics for the first time and/or grades 3-5.

It’s that time of year again -- the end of a year full of happy times, milestones, and mistakes. Or is it the beginning of a new year? One filled with endless possibilities and untapped potential. Depending on how you look at it, it’s both. For anyone who plays a role in Jewish education, it’s most definitely the beginning.

"Being a Jew doesn’t end with school. We need to keep searching for sources to educate ourselves and our children, through Torah values and a solid Jewish identity.”

CAJE-Miami helps connect network education leaders implement programs and initiatives on behalf of the entire school community. One example is CAJE’s Day School Mental Health Network, a group of 17 school counselors and psychologists convened monthly by Audrey Maman Bensoussan, CAJE’s Associate Director for School Markets.

The way we at CAJE see it, our entire community has a responsibility to address the teacher shortage crises! All of us must be thinking about both the immediate needs of our schools and the long-term strategies necessary to cultivate a new generation of Jewish educators.

We are thrilled to announce that on July 1st Yehudis Smith will be starting as CAJE’s Director of Early Childhood and Congregational Education. Yehudis will conduct a listening tour throughout Miami-Dade in the upcoming months -- please tell her Bruchah Ha’Ba’ah / Welcome to our community!

This week we held a retirement -- from full-time work -- party for our beloved colleague, Joy Schandler, CAJE’s Director of Early Childhood and Congregational Education for the past 8 years. We wish Joy well on a life with a little bit less “full-time” stress and look forward to seeing her as she consults in the community…

On May 10th, 165 students from nine schools gathered at Scheck Hillel Community School during CAJE’s 6th Annual South Florida Jewish Day School Robotics Festival to compete in various challenges and showcase what they’ve learned throughout the year.

A primary goal of Israel education is to help the learner develop their own relationship to Israel. One part of the professional development for our Jewish Resource Specialists (JRSs) has been for them to hone their skills as Israel educators and embrace the concept of Israel as an integral part of the yearlong curriculum...