DeLeT Longitudinal Survey


A tracking study of graduates of the DeLeT (Day School Leadership Through Teaching) program at HUC-JIR and Brandeis University


Overview

In 2007, as part of the Mandel Center's commitment to generate knowledge for the field of Jewish education, the Center launched a longitudinal survey of DeLeT teachers from both Brandeis and HUC (Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles). After seven years of operation in two sites, there are now 103 DeLeT graduates, most of whom continue to teaching.

Design and Goals

The purpose of this study is to collect data that would inform DeLeT faculty and the community of Jewish education practitioners and policy makers about issues concerning teacher preparation, careers, and teacher quality. There are three versions of the survey which we have administered annually to each cohort, upon entrance and graduation, and to all DeLeT alumni every two years  (view alum survey [PDF]).

We are particularly interested to explore a variety of issues, including fellows' decision to become Jewish day school teachers, their Jewish background and identity, their experiences in DeLeT, their career aspirations and commitments, teaching practices, social background, and more.

By collecting this data, we hope to create a unique source of longitudinal quantitative data for research on the evolving careers and lives of Jewish day school teachers.

Over time, we aim to develop a more sophisticated understanding of the career choices that DeLeT fellows make and the factors that shape their choices to stay in teaching, become teacher leaders or administrators or leave the classroom to pursue alternative careers. We also seek to understand more about their views of day school teaching, and how their teaching practice and professional identity develop and is shaped by their interactions with school leadership and professional communities in their schools.

Status (November 2009)

  • The second alumni survey was sent in October 2009 to cohorts 1 through 6 of DeLeT. 
  • Cohort 7 completed the graduation survey (100% response rate).
  • Cohort 8 completed the entering survey (100% response rate).
  • The first report based on the data from the first alumni survey is to be published shortly.

More Information


Leader: Eran Tamir