Incorporating Jewish Content into a Pedagogy Rather Than a Curriculum
Meet Emma Schnur, Master of Arts in Education Student at the SJEL
Emma Schnur has always known that she wanted to pursue a career in Jewish early childhood education. For 13 years, she has been working in the field, developing her own theories and practices, and honing her skills. However, she felt that she needed to further her education in order to better articulate her intentions behind her techniques.
That's when she discovered the School for Jewish Education and Leadership at AJU. The courses offered by the program perfectly reflected her current practice, making the decision to enroll in the Master’s program a no-brainer. Emma was particularly drawn to the small learning community that AJU provides and was excited to be part of a team where everyone was working together towards a common goal.
“Working in Jewish education is magical. Jewish early childhood education is particularly special because it allows children to connect with Jewish concepts in a way that speaks to them, regardless of their developmental level," said Emma. "Incorporating Jewish content into a pedagogy rather than a curriculum is one of the key concepts in the Master’s program. This approach has allowed for more deep-rooted work, moving away from cookie-cutter practices, ultimately engaging children in more impactful ways.”
AJU has not only increased Emma’s knowledge and understanding of Jewish ECE, but it has also given her the confidence she needed to articulate her pedagogy to others. Emma's dedication to Jewish education extends beyond her professional life. She believes that a Jewish education is vital for the next generation of American Jews to form their Jewish identity, and she is passionate about helping them achieve that. As the director of Gan Shalom, in the Bay Area, an institution she herself had attended as a child, Emma knew firsthand the importance of a Jewish education and was committed to providing it to others.
The School for Jewish Education and Leadership at AJU trains the educators working with the youngest students enrolled in Jewish education programs. By training educators, AJU impacts the lives of Jewish families in Los Angeles, throughout California, and across the United States. To learn more, visit aju.edu/ece.