Brandeis program trains day school teachers
Canadian Jewish News
8/16/07
By Diane Koven
Ottowa Correspondent
OTTAWA - Kathy Kanigsberg of Ottawa was one of seven women who recently graduated from a unique teacher-training program at Brandeis University.
The program, called DeLeT - short for Day School Leadership Through Teaching and also the Hebrew word for "door" - is the only program in North America focused solely on preparing Jewish day school teachers with a year-long mentored internship.
"Over the past five years, DeLeT graduates have become inspired educators and active teacher-leaders in their day school communities, making an impact on the field of day school education that is disproportionate to their numbers," said Judy Elkin, DeLeT director and Mandel Center senior Jewish educator.
Kanigsberg, who attended Ottawa's Hillel Academy, went on to a five-year B.Ed, program at McGiIl University. She then spent two years working in a pre-school at Montreal's West Island JCC.
"I loved it, but I knew that I wanted a bit more of a challenge. I found this program [DeLeT] and it had a lot of what I wanted...a big plus for me was that it was a year-long internship so I was in the same place for the whole year, which is very rare to find," she said.
"Also, it taught how to teach both general studies and Hebrew studies and how to integrate them. I think kids can leave school a bit confused, but with this model we are fusing the two together. It is a really important message we are sending that the Jewish part is just as important as the general part," she added
"I started the program last July and by the end of July, I knew that it was going to be a life-changing experience."
Kanigsberg had high praise for both the program and the mentor teachers.
"Without them, I would not be half the teacher I am today. Today I count them as my friends and as my colleagues. They are not just my teachers."
Now set to put her lessons into practice, Kanigsberg will be remaining at the school where she did her internship.
"I got my dream job," she said.
She will soon start teaching kindergarten at the South Area Solomon Schechter Day School and will also be continuing her studies in order to complete her master's in teaching at Brandeis by next summer.
"I think that will keep me busy," she said.
Kanigsberg 's enthusiasm for the DeLeT program is so infectious that this year's class includes her sister Sarah, who will be working in a Grade 1 class in September.
For details on the DeLeT program, visit www.brandeis.edu/centers/mandel/DeLeT.
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