FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do Jewish teachers need a group?
2. Isn’t there someone else already doing this?
3. Who is in charge?
4. Are you planning on charging for membership?
5. What kind of problems do Jewish Teachers have?
6. Are you affiliated to or funded by any organisations?
7. I have another question not on here.
Why do Jewish teachers need a group?
There are a lot of Jewish Teachers and there is no other group to bring them together. Please look at the about page for the aims of our organisation. Additionally this is a quick list of some of the ideas our members have thought of. Networking; general support; how to present your Judaism to pupils and colleagues; educating on Jewish topics in non Jewish schools; working with teaching unions to represent Jewish interests; supporting Jewish teachers in non-Jewish schools; recruitment; professional development; giving Jewish educational non profit groups a door into different schools; charity work; interfaith projects and probably even more!
Isn’t there someone else already doing this?
There are other excellent groups involved in Jewish education and involving many Jewish teachers (see links page) but there is no current group open to all Jewish teachers.
Who is in charge?
It started with an idea followed by a session at Limmud Conference where about 10 people helped develop the idea and a further 30 people signed up. By the end of our first year we had over 100 members and in our second year we have a small committee moving the organisation forward. Coming towards our third year we have 150 members on our mailing list.
Are you planning on charging for membership?
No. Right now our costs are about £15 a year for this website and peoples’ time given for free. Because of this we are only communicating through e-mail for now. We are looking for modest funds to raise awareness of our group and provide for members. Any donations or people who know people who would like to fund further work are very welcome.
What kind of problems do Jewish Teachers have?
Over 2 years of operation we have heard many shocking stories emphasising the need for our association. Teachers in general have enough problems at work - Jewish teachers can have a whole extra set especially for those working in non-Jewish schools. Should you tell colleagues or pupils that you are Jewish? How do you ask for time off for Jewish holidays? Should you be the one who organises Holocaust memorial day? Should you ever mention that country starting with an I? Which teaching Union can you join without compromising your principles? These are just some of the problems we’ve come across.
Are you affiliated to or funded by any organisations?
Not yet. But we hope to keep good relationships with all organisations in the Jewish and Teaching communities.
I have another question not on here.
Pop over to the contact us page and send us a message. We’ll get back to you.
