Credit: lostinbids, iStock
ElevatEd, a national initiative to transform the field of early childhood Jewish education, is expanding into Northern New Jersey as part of a growing effort to address the widespread shortage of highly skilled preschool teachers. In partnership with the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey (JFNNJ), The Russell Berrie Foundation is excited to have launched this program to boost the ranks of early childhood Jewish educators and reinforce a critical driver of greater engagement among Jewish families throughout the region.
Established in 2023 through a partnership involving the JCC Association of North America, Jewish Federations of North America, and the Union for Reform Judaism, ElevatEd currently operates in more than a dozen communities nationwide. Its expansion into Northern New Jersey brings its successful model for recruiting, training, and retaining high-quality teachers into local communities, where demand for vibrant Jewish early childhood programs continues to grow.
As part of the Northern New Jersey cohort, teachers will benefit from effective recruitment, training, and mentorship that will help them thrive in Jewish preschool classrooms and in their careers. Emerging teachers will receive a year of learning, mentorship, and funding to pursue early childhood credentials, experienced educators will be trained as mentors, and childcare center directors will take part in training and peer learning, strengthening the profession at all levels.
Teachers in the Northern New Jersey ElevatEd cohort connect at the local program’s launch.
"After just a few months, ElevatEd’s Northern New Jersey cohort is already making a meaningful impact on early childhood Jewish education,” shared Enid Anziska, community coordinator for Northern New Jersey. “Educators at every level have shared their gratitude for the program’s thoughtful content and training and participants deeply value the opportunity to connect with colleagues across the region and the country who are united in their commitment to elevating the field together."
“Investing in early childhood education is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen Jewish life for generations to come,” said Foundation CEO Dr. Idana Goldberg. “This initiative enhances Northern New Jersey’s educational infrastructure and nurtures meaningful Jewish engagement from the very beginning.” As the ElevatEd approach takes hold, the goal is for more families across the region to enroll their young children in preschools that have the necessary talent and resources to help kids flourish through joyful Jewish learning.