A Workshop Series on Social, Emotional, and Spiritual Learning for Jewish Educators
This fall, Jewish LearningWorks is excited to launch a new learning cohort with Dr. Nancy Parkes, a nationally recognized expert in Jewish education and Social, Emotional and Spiritual Learning (SESL) integration. Nancy has taught in the Bay Area before, to rave reviews. We are inviting her to return to help educators deepen their learning, and develop new SESL tools and skills they can weave into their teaching practice.
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Dates: From October 2025 to February 2026.
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Format: Cohort-learning program. Gathers online and in-person.
Embracing Our Learners and Their Changing Needs
Our learners live in a world filled with challenge and change – from the lingering effects of the pandemic, to the ongoing war in Israel, to the divisive nature of American politics, and the looming climate crisis. As educators, every day we face decisions about how to respond to the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of our students, as well as countless opportunities to enhance their well being. The framework of Social, Emotional and Spiritual Learning (SESL) gives us the tools, skills, and confidence to embrace our learners and their changing needs.
More About the Program
- Aimed at: This series is designed for educators working in part time Jewish educational settings, with children ages 5-12.
- Structure: Cohort learning. Hybrid approach. One in-person opening session, and three 90-min, virtual learning sessions.
- Facilitated by: Dr. Nancy Parkes
This hybrid, multi-session series will explore how concrete SESL tools and activities are essential for meaningful teaching, learning, and leadership, naturally connect to Jewish values and practices, and integrate into your leadership, classrooms, and school culture.
Program Details & Learning Arc
Dates: Begins in October 2025, and concludes in February 2026.
Opening Session, In-person: Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
During our opening session, we’ll explore why Social, Emotional, and Spiritual Learning (SESL) matters so deeply – not just for our learners, but for us as educators, too. We’ll unpack what SESL is (and just as importantly, what it’s not), and discover practices that help us nurture empathy, resilience, connection, and meaning in our classrooms.
You’ll leave with ideas and tools you can start using right away – simple, soulful ways to weave SESL practices into your daily routines and curricula. Expect reflection, conversation, and a little inspiration along the way!
Online Seminars: November 19, 2025; December 10, 2025; February 11, 2026.
The topics of these 90-minute virtual learning sessions will be decided by the participants. Topics may include: SESL and Behavior Management, Integrating SESL into a specific Jewish holiday, Communication and Listening Skills, Prayer and Spirituality.
Our learning will take place in community, as we support one another, as colleagues, in doing this sacred work.
Additional Support:
- An invitation for each participating organization to a thirty-minute 1:1 consultation with Nancy, to assess the specific training needs of their staff team.
- The opportunity to apply for grant funding to subsidize virtual staff training with Nancy, customized for your organization.
- Monthly “snapshot” emails from Nancy highlighting best practices for experimentation.
Registration
Early bird fee: Register for $360 by September 16, 2025.
Regular registration fee: The program fee rises to $396 after the early bird deadline.
All trainings at Jewish LearningWorks are subsidized by our generous donors. If the cost is a barrier to your participation, do not hesitate to contact Dana Sheanin at dana@jewishlearning.works to register with a fee adjustment.
Registration will open this fall, and will close on October 16, 2025.
Questions
Please contact Dana Sheanin at dana@jewishlearning.works for any questions or more information.
About Dr. Nancy Parkes
Dr. Parkes, who earned her doctorate from the William Davidson School at Jewish Theological Seminary, has spent her career helping educators integrate SESL into Jewish learning environments. Her research, leadership courses, and workshops reflect her deep belief that social, emotional, and spiritual growth should be at the heart of every Jewish educational experience.
