Undergraduate Teaching Fellows Program

MCSJE's Undergraduate Teaching Fellows Program offers professional learning to undergraduates who are working in supplemental Jewish education. Working in collaboration with other student fellows, under the mentorship of a master educator, they are exploring their own Jewish journeys, reflecting on their teaching, developing new inquiry skill, and gaining insight into their students’ learning.

The UTF program supports Jewish life on campus by bringing together Jewish students from diverse backgrounds with varied levels of observance, and those with day school, supplemental educational and Jewish camp experiences. United by a shared interest in Jewish education and a commitment to supporting Jewish youth, UTF students engage in meaningful learning together. The program creates a pluralistic and open environment in which participants gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity within the Jewish community and recognize the unique perspectives they each bring. They also have the opportunity to learn from one another about the different practices found in various synagogues and communities.

Participants meet 12 times per year. Each presents a lesson to peers and provides thoughtful feedback to others.

Applications for the 2025-26 fellowship will be available soon. Students interested in learning more about the program can complete our information form to learn more or nominate themselves or another student to participate. 

Are you Director of Education in a part-time Jewish setting who wants to learn more about this program? Complete our information form, and we will be in touch soon.

Fellowship Highlights

  • Explore educational theory and pedagogy
  • Investigate best practices for classroom management
  • Share challenges & dilemmas in a safe space
  • Learn how to support students with special needs
  • Mentoring from an experienced Jewish educator
  • Reflect on & hone your unique teaching stylen and lesson plans

2024-25 Fellows

Headshots of 7 fellows and director Robin Kahn

Elinoa Bader ’26, Liana Bernstein ’27, Hannah Churwin ’27, Zachary Gold ’25, Miriam Herstein ’27, Simone Hotter ’26, Rachel Lavine ’27 with Program Director Robin Kahn.

Testimonials from Past Fellows

“Because the UTF program frames Jewish supplementary education as holy work and then treats it as such, I feel as though I really have a new appreciation for how important supplementary education is, and my role as a teacher is a much more important part of my week...”

“In particular, I have come to understand that supplementary school is about creating a positive connection and association with Jewish learning and identity for our students.”

“My expectations were more than met… this was an incredible group of Fellows… and the facilitator’s guidance turned our conversations into strategy sessions and knowledge building sessions. I truly didn’t think that this experience would be so impactful, but it was.”

“I had a really enjoyable time over the course of the year growing with my fellow teachers and thinking more critically about how to be a better Hebrew School teacher.”

“These seminars helped me gain a great amount of perspective because they gave me tips on how to be proactive about situations that might arise in my classroom. I especially enjoyed conversations when they were centered around another teacher’s issues, so that I could take time to reflect on my class.”

UTF in the Media

THE JEWISH EXPERIENCE: MENTORING UNDERGRADUATE Jewish EDUCATORS

Read an Interview with Robin Kahn and the Undergraduate TEACHING Fellows

Personal Statements

Each year the Fellows finish the year with a Siyum where they celebrate with their classroom supervisors and mentors, Mandel Center faculty, and each other, and share what was learned. Here are excerpts from the personal statements the 2024-25 Fellows shared at the April 3, 2025 Siyum.

6 students working at a table covered with papers
The Undergraduate Teaching Fellows learning together
A group of 7 students holding certificates with their teacher
2024–25 Undergraduate Teaching Fellows Siyum