Pronouns: she/her
Jenni Mangel believes passionately that Jewish education positively impacts the Jewish identity of children and their families. Her work reflects a commitment to connecting learning, community involvement, and leadership with personal and spiritual development. While she has been engaged in Jewish education since 1993, her work has focused on professional development, program design, and evaluation since 2006.
Jenni is a proud alumna of Mills College (MA, Educational Leadership) and the University of California Santa Cruz (BA, History; Minor, Education). Her academic work as an undergrad centered immigrant rights in France and multi-cultural education; in grad school she explored service learning as a tool for identity formation of college students.
Jenni serves as the Co-Chair of El Cerrito High School’s parent-led Investing in Academic Excellence committee. When not engaged in teaching and learning, Jenni loves to be outside in her garden with her husband, two children and dog; to make greeting cards; and to connect with family and friends.
Learn More About Jenni
Where did you grow up?
Davis, CA.
What is your favorite dessert?
Lemon tart.
What’s one thing you own that you should really throw out?
Books that have broken spines.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
President of the United States.
What’s the most used app on your phone? (Be honest!)
Text!
What’s your favorite movie?
The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Shakespeare in Love.
Keva or kavanah?
Kavanah.
If you could only celebrate one Jewish holiday, which one would it be?
Passover.
What’s the best thing a student has ever said to you?
Thank you for, pretty much, changing my life.
What’s your favorite part about being a Jewish educator?
That I keep on learning along side my students — it is a true teacher/learner reciprocal relationship.
