From the 1950’s, but great teachers create impact no matter the year
This summer I’m working with an intern through a program that combines work experience with college preparation. Great idea, no? I’m fortunate that this person has also been a part of our school for years, and is somewhat familiar with the world of blogging (and has his own gaming site blog!).
I asked him about his experience in our Jewish community high school, and to be a guest blogger.
“Something I really find a need for in Jewish education is good teachers. I hear my friends complaining a lot that their teachers are uninteresting, and they may find hebrew school, or any religious school for that matter, a waste of time or boring.
I don’t entirely disagree with that. If a teacher cannot find an interesting way to teach a subject or at least a way to keep the students interested, then they won’t want to learn, and they won’t care about Jewish education.
As a highschool student myself I find that the only reason I really keep coming to hebrew school now, is the great teachers and the friends I have made. The teachers that I have found to be the best are the ones that don’t just teach the subject. They know how to really engage us into the topic.
These special teachers have been able to not only get my attention, but to really make me think.
They have been able to start great class discussions that weren’t even meant to happen. I also think it is better when the teacher treats us like an adult, like we can handle more mature topic matters.
I have had teachers in the past that would break every subject down—spoon-feeding us the material, and would tone down the maturity level simply because we are teenagers. There was not thinking involved. The best teachers I have had may have provided us with more detailed information, but they do it for a reason, and they would end up explaining why that method was used.
Overall the best teachers make the best Jewish education experiences. If the teacher is really good, they could get any student interested and understand anything.”
Related articles
Hiring Jewish teen aides? Five things to know (ruthschapira.wordpress.com)
Find Out What Really Happens In Classrooms (ruthschapira.wordpress.com)
Meet Britain’s top Jewish educator (timesofisrael.com)