Jewish Portal of Teacher Education

Source: Brandeis University – Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education

DeLeT (Day School Leadership through Teaching; the Hebrew word for “door”), the Jewish day school concentration of the Master of Arts in Teaching program at Brandeis University, is accepting applications for the 2012-2013 cohort. Within DeLeT, there are three tracks that prepare elementary general and Judaic studies teachers, high school Tanakh/Bible teachers, and Hebrew teachers.

Elementary General and Judaic Studies Program

Students in the Elementary MAT (DeLeT) program earn a Master of Arts in Teaching in elementary education, and are eligible for initial teaching licensure (grades 1 - 6) from the State of Massachusetts. DeLeT is a personalized and inquiry-based program where students work closely with outstanding faculty and fellow students in a cohort model. Research and practice, coursework and fieldwork are closely integrated. The program is 13 months long with two summers of full time coursework at Brandeis University and a full time internship during the academic year in a local day school.

DeLeT focuses on an integrated model of general and Judaic studies preparing students to teach reading, writing, math, Jewish holidays, Torah, and anything else.

Tanakh/Bible MAT Program

This small, personalized program is designed to challenge and prepare graduate students to become teachers of Tanakh in middle or high Jewish day schools. Uniquely situated in both the Secondary track of the MAT program as well as DeLeT, Tanakh students benefit from being a part of the DeLeT cohort and learning with others focusing on Jewish day school education, as well as with the diverse and multi-disciplinary secondary students.

Tanakh students have the opportunity to further their knowledge of their specific subject matter by taking classes in the distinguished Judaic studies department at Brandeis while also learning about pedagogy and practice with Brandeis professors and master teachers in our affiliated schools.

Hebrew Language Program

This new track combines Brandeis’ strengths in teaching Hebrew with DeLeT’s expertise in Jewish teacher education. In 13 intensive months, students will spend a full academic year working in a local day school classroom with a mentor teacher in addition to Brandeis course work.

Graduates of the Hebrew teaching track will earn a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and understand the principles of second language learning, have a repertoire of pedagogical strategies, be familiar with the major Hebrew language programs used in Jewish day schools and know how to develop new materials and adapt prepared materials to meet their goals and the needs of their students.

Find more information about the DELET/MAT Program at the Brandeis University – Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education website.