The Orchard: Directors

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The first few years of being a director can be full of excitement, and full of challenges. As we become more experienced, there are so many unknowns--so many times we are asked to make multiple decisions during the day and so many times we see things that we want to do but aren’t sure how to get there. We want to be the best leader we can be, and sometimes we need trusted colleagues to help us on the way.

In this Learning Community, we will build a kehillah (community) interested in exploring together the aspects of being a leader in Jewish Early Childhood Education. Our Learning Community will support the work you are doing, and give you the opportunity to ask questions, brainstorm, and discuss the issues that come up for you in your work as director. We’ll talk about building relationships between teachers, families, and your host institution, and how to navigate these interactions when each group has different needs. You will make connections with people all across the country who are on the same journey as you, and you will have the opportunity to find your voice as a leader in your school.

In addition, there is an optional 1:1 coaching component to round out this program, giving directors a time to talk about their own particular needs and receive support from an experienced coach.

About the Facilitator

Denise Moyes-Schnur has worked in the field of Jewish Early Childhood Education for forty seven years. She has worked as teacher, preschool director, consultant, coach, and mentor, both locally and nationally. Denise has worked in the national programs the Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative (JECEI), the Jewish Early Childhood Education Leadership Initiative (JECELI), and is an Instructor for American Jewish University. Denise is a consultant in Early Childhood Education and has worked with directors and teachers,coaching, mentoring and creating and implementing professional development programs. Denise holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Leadership from Mills College in Oakland, CA.

Dates & Times

​All sessions will meet on Wednesdays from 7:00pm-8:30pm Eastern (6:00 Central, 5:00 Mountain, 4:00 Pacific) 

• October 18, 2023 
• November 8, 2023 
• November 29, 2023 
• January 10, 2024 
• January 31, 2024
• February 21, 2024

Cost

$400 (includes 1 coaching session) or $800 (includes 4 coaching sessions)

Scholarships available, please contact Amy Martin to learn more