Does any of this sound familiar? You’re a congregational educator. You’ve been running your synagogue’s program for a few years (or more). Maybe you started out as a volunteer, a teacher, or a clergy member, but your responsibilities expanded. Your previous experience and the established structures and systems allowed you to succeed on your own for a while; however, parent demands, teacher turnover, calls to transform Israel education, and responding to antisemitism and ever-increasing security threats have left you questioning what success even looks like. You’d really like to pull yourself up from the ‘weeds’ of your work and widen your horizons. You’re looking for something more structured than the occasional webinar or affinity group discussion, but less formal (and costly) than a certificate or degree program, and you’re not sure where to find the kind of support you need.
Last year, ARJE and Bay Area-based Jewish LearningWorks partnered to offer a small group coaching program after hearing stories like these from many educators in the field. 14 educators took part in this unique experience, guided by expert coaches Tamara Gropper and Michelle Lynn-Sachs. Over the course of their meetings, the coaching groups developed new skills, supported each other through challenging situations, and grew more confident in their own leadership abilities.
In the words of some of the 2025-26 small group coaching participants:
- We became an amazing group who supports one another and we were able to discuss issues and learn together with total honesty and confidence.
- We developed not only skills, but insight about ourselves as leaders that will be useful beyond the specific work goals/tasks that may have brought us to the group in the first place.
- This program created space to openly talk about the realities of this work-- not just the successes, but also the emotional labor, uncertainty, and responsibility that come with being a Jewish educator. I felt seen both for what I contribute and for the challenges I’m navigating.
Educators in last year’s program reflected that the experience helped them approach work challenges with more openness and curiosity, and that they felt more equipped with tools to address changing circumstances in their environments. “Going forward,” one educator wrote, “I will lead with more confidence [and] be more intentional about meetings, listening, and coaching my own staff.” Perhaps most meaningfully, these groups created new collegial ties and networks of support that will last beyond the formal meetings. “It’s helped me recognize that I’m not alone,” said one participant. “This program has acknowledged that working in Jewish educational spaces can be deeply meaningful and purpose-driven, while also emotionally complex and demanding,” shared another.
Following the success of last year’s pilot, ARJE and Jewish LearningWorks are excited to launch a second year of small group coaching! In 2026-27 we’re expanding eligibility to include both early-career (2-7 years of experience) and mid-career educational leaders (8-15 years of experience, not necessarily in the same position). We’re thrilled that these groups will again be led by Tamara Gropper (early career educators) and Michelle Lynn-Sachs (mid career educators).
This year’s program begins in late fall 2026 and runs through May 2027. Each participant will have an initial one-on-one meeting with their coach followed by six group coaching gatherings beginning in December.
- Early Career Educators (2-7 years’ experience) with Tamara Groper -
Wednesdays at 12:30-2:00 pm ET/9:30-11:00 am PT, meeting 12/16, 1/20, 2/24, 3/24, 4/14, 5/19
- Mid-Career Educators (8-15 years’ experience) with Michelle Lynn-Sachs -
Thursdays at 12:30-2:00 pm ET/9:30-11:00 am PT, meeting 12/17, 1/21, 2/25, 3/25, 4/15, 5/20
Interested applicants must be ARJE members or Bay Area-based Jewish educators with 2-15 years’ experience in a Jewish educational leadership role (director- or assistant director-level). Accepted participants must commit to attending all group learning sessions and pay the participation fee ($600, full and partial scholarships available). Space in each group is limited to 8 participants, so be sure to apply before October 1 at https://members.reformeducators.org/ap/Form/Fill/pGKMnclp
Questions?
ARJE Members should email SRigler@reformeducators.org
Non-ARJE Bay Area Educators should email dana@jewishlearning.works