Undergraduate Teaching Fellows Program

Composite of 8 UTF student headshots

2023–24 Undergraduate Teaching Fellows

MCSJE's Undergraduate Teaching Fellows Program offers professional learning to Brandeis 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.

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

Recruitment is now closed for the 2023-24 fellowship. Are you a Brandeis student or Boston-area 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 with you soon.

2023-24 Fellows

  • Rachel Araten ’24
  • Sophia Berlinger ’27
  • Tali Gordon-Knight ’24
  • Mateo Levin ’27
  • Sadie Lieberman ’27
  • Abby Litwin ’27
  • Naomi Stephenson ’26
  • Sophia Stewart ’26

Fellowship Highlights

  • A safe and brave space to share challenges and dilemmas.
  • Receive mentoring from an experienced Jewish educator.
  • Investigate best practices for classroom management.
  • Learn how to support students with special needs.
  • Practice lesson planning and curriculum design.
  • Reflect on and hone your unique teaching style.
  • Test teaching pedagogies.
  • Earn a $500 stipend!

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, as well as holding more influence in the development of my own Jewish identity.”

“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 sessions 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.”

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 teachers or mentors, Mandel Center faculty, and each other, and share what was learned. Here are the personal statements the 2022-23 Fellows presented at the April 27, 2023 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

2022–23 Undergraduate Teaching Fellows Siyum