By Kathy Schwartz, Jewish LearningWorks’ Senior Director of Professional Learning
Being a Jewish educator is important work, but it is also hard work — especially in this moment. Often when people describe what enables them to carry on, it is because the work, at its core, is about helping people grow. In reaching out to many of you over the past few months, we have heard that in these times what you really appreciate is the support of others — whether it be from those in your own institutions, us at Jewish LearningWorks, or in other communities of colleagues.
It has been an honor for me to be part of that support network for the past two years. The generosity of the community and the incredibly creative, caring, and thoughtful team at Jewish LearningWorks is a constant reminder that what all of us do is important. Lots of organizations say they lead with relationships, but this is a team that truly does. I have been proud to help build on that focus along with bringing you the support and tools that help you grow.
This June I will be transitioning to a new position as Director of the Executive MA in Jewish Education at Hebrew Union College — Jewish Institute of Religion, a program that has been part of my life since it began 13 years ago. I leave Jewish LearningWorks a better educator because of what we have been challenged and able to do and because of the way all of you have shown up to be partners in this work. It has been a privilege of being part of your journey.
Dr. Kathy Schwartz, MAJE/MAJCS ’94, has been involved with HUC’s Executive MA in Jewish Education since its inception, serving both as a member of the clinical faculty and then as Associate Director. In addition, Dr. Schwartz is the capstone advisor for their MEdL program. This is a dream job for Kathy, and we are very proud and happy for her! – The Jewish LearningWorks Team
