YES Emerging Professionals Cohort

Powering up the Next Generation of Jewish Educational Leaders

 

About the Program

The YES Emerging Professionals Cohort is a collaborative initiative between the Association of Reform Jewish Educators (ARJE) and the Hebrew Union College School of Education (HUC). This program is designed to create a peer network and provide training for young Jewish educators and their supervisors. Funded through the Women of Reform Judaism’s YES Grant, this partnership aims to develop the skills the next generation needs to navigate Jewish life and support the dedicated veteran educators who mentor them. Participants will engage in learning sessions and peer consulting led by experienced facilitators to foster connections and deepen their relationships within the field.

Program Timeline and Requirements

Launch: January 2026 | Conclude: December 2026

For Emerging Professionals:

  • Apply by December 10, 2025, and confirm availability for these seven virtual 75 minute sessions starting at 12:30pm ET: Tuesday, January 27, Tuesday, March 10, Wednesday, April 25, Tuesday, August 25, Wednesday, October 14, Tuesday, November 17, Wednesday, December 16 
  • Strongly consider registering for the ARJE26 conference, taking place from February 2-4, 2026 (financial assistance is available). Participants will be invited to breakfast on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
  • Participate in two individual conversations, one at the start and one at the end of the cohort experience, to help ARJE and HUC School of Education assess the program's effectiveness.
  • Attend and prioritize participation in seven scheduled sessions facilitated by Dr. Kathy Schwarz, RJE

Supervisee Application

For Supervisors:

  • Apply by December 10, 2025, and confirm availability for these seven sessions in 2026: Thursday, January 29, Wednesday, February 25, Thursday, March 26, Thursday, April 23, Tuesday, September 8, Wednesday, November 4, all at 12 pm ET; and the concluding siyum on Wednesday, December 16 at 12:30 pm ET
  • Support supervisee’s attendance at ARJE Conference, February 2-5, 2026 (financial assistance is available).
  • Attend and prioritize participation in six supervisor sessions facilitated by Dr. Michelle Lynn-Sachs, RJE and the concluding siyum on Wednesday December 16 starting at 12:30 PM ET.
  • Strongly consider registering for the ARJE26 conference, taking place from February 2-4, 2026 (financial assistance is available). Participants will be invited to breakfast on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Supervisor Application

Who Should Apply?

Emerging Jewish Education Professionals (Age 22-29):

  • Hours: Works at least 15 hours/week in Jewish education or engagement.
  • Job Title: Eligible roles include but are not limited to: Assistant Director, Youth Engagement Coordinator, Family & Teen Engagement Specialist, Full-time Educator, and After-school Program Professional.
  • Supervisor: Oversees a Jewish education program or is trained as an educator. ARJE membership is encouraged but not required.
  • Membership Status: Current ARJE member or willing to join (financial assistance available).

Additional Information:

Cost: The total cost for supervisor/supervisee pairs to participate in the initiative is $360. Pairs that attend at least 6 cohort sessions each will be eligible for a $360 credit toward the ARJE27 conference in January 2027 (To be used by either the supervisor or the supervisee).  

Selection: The anticipated cohort size is 10 pairs of supervisors and supervisees. Priority will be given to ARJE members, and selection will be based on the demonstrated interest and commitment to the program and the field of Jewish education of both the supervisor and the supervisee, as indicated in their applications.  

The application deadline is December 10, 2025.  Applicants will be notified by December 22, 2025