The ARJE's Jan D. Katzew Mentoring Program now in its second cohort, brings together pairs of experienced (6+years in their role) ARJE members with ARJE members who are new to the field (2-5 years). This initiative creates new pathways for 10-20 pairs of educators to connect with colleagues, the ARJE and be inspired towards excellence.

Now recruiting Cohort 2: Applications due August 3, 2026

The goals of the program are to . . . 

Provide educators who are new to the field:

• A partner to think about challenging questions

• An opportunity to address areas of professional growth

• A path to developing a collegial relationship with a professional working in a similar setting.  

Provide veteran educators:

• Professional development and training on mentorship

• A cohort of mentors, creating collegial connections

• Opportunities to give back to the field, nurture colleagues, and sustain their passion for Jewish education. 

Michelle Lynn-Sachs, Ph.D., RJE, is the Mentorship Program Director. Michelle is a leadership coach who co-leads the Wexner Alumni Mentoring Program, and has developed or taught in mentoring initiatives throughout the Jewish professional sector. Michelle holds degrees in Jewish education from HUC (1996 MAJE) and NYU (2007 PhD), and she has served on the faculty at HUC, JTS, and Spertus Institute. You can read more about her coaching and consulting work here.

This program is generously funded by donors who wish to honor the work and legacy of Rabbi Jan D. Katzew, Ph.D, RJE. Jan was celebrated for his lifetime contribution to the field at ARJE’s 70th Anniversary.  You can read about Jan’s contributions here and read Jan’s remarks and vision for mentoring at our 70th anniversary here.  

Applications for mentors and mentees are being accepted through August 3, 2026. This year’s cohort will launch at an in-person training and celebration on Thursday November 12, 2026 in Needham, MA and will run through late Fall, 2027.  

“ Mentorship is both a professional commitment and a sacred responsibility. It is the act of recognizing potential in others and helping them discover their own voices as teachers, innovators, and leaders.” – Jan D. Katzew