Imagine a Judaic Studies department where every student engages deeply, each teacher has the pedagogical tools to connect their students to the their subjects, and the entire faculty works in harmony towards a clear educational vision. Herzog Learning Labs turns this vision into reality.
The Herzog Learning Labs, a professional development initiative, improves the quality of Judaic Studies education in all types of Jewish day schools, utilizing the expertise and resources of Herzog College. Customized to align with your school’s mission, goals, and philosophy, stakeholders participate in a holistic and immersive process that combines pedagogical excellence with deep Judaic expertise. Together we will bring meaning, connection, and inspiration to your students – creating a lasting impact across your school community.
Learning Labs Elements:
- Site Visits – Meetings with administrators and teachers, and observation of teachers in action, providing meaningful and actionable feedback.
- Individual Coaching – One-on-one coaching improves instructional effectiveness in the classroom.
- Local Coordinator – A local expert educator guides the Learning Lab process, to maximize program effectiveness.
- Online Academic Courses – Teachers study their area of growth in depth over three months, deepening their professional knowledge, skills and teaching practices.
- Group Facilitation – Working groups support peer collaboration and growth within your JS department.
- Workshops for Faculty Members – Interactive sessions to share effective professional practices and build collective capacity.
Tried and Tested
Herzog Global works with schools spanning the religious spectrum and serves communities of different shapes and sizes. The Herzog Learning Labs program has achieved successful results with schools in Germany, Belgium, South Africa, England, and Mexico.
“The classroom observation sessions were helpful in highlighting areas where staff could do with further support. The facilitators supported our culture of learning and empowered us to feel encouraged to move forward.”
R.J., Broughton Jewish Primary School, Manchester
“Limor and Yolanda’s visit to “Ganenou” last week was simply wonderful!!! The entire staff is full of appreciation and excitement about the joint process.”
Y.R., Athénée Ganenou, Brussels
“What we’re doing here isn’t just staying with me — I’m sharing it with my team, and it’s great. We’re also working with all the Hebrew teachers on using the differentiated instruction techniques that we have learned from you.”
F.A., Maguen David School, Mexico City
Learning Lab Models
Because every school has its own culture, team, and vision, Herzog Learning Labs offer a flexible framework that adapts to your school’s goals, pace, and resources. Our experts will partner with your leadership team – to plan, guide, and support you through every step of the process. Speak with us about your school’s unique needs, and how we can customize one of these two Herzog Learning Lab models to bring about the desired outcomes for your faculty.
Model A: Course-Based Growth
This model ensures adoption of pedagogical methodologies through the combination of deep, extended learning with practical application in the classroom. Elements of this track include:
- Extended course study – All participants in the lab take one of Herzog Global’s online courses together.
- Local mentoring and observations – A local facilitator, who receives training and oversight from Herzog Global staff, observes and mentors participants on a regular basis. Feedback from these observations relates directly to course material and to the broader goals of the Lab.
- Professional Learning Community (PLC) – In conjunction with Herzog Global staff, the local facilitator runs regular meetings with Lab participants focusing on material relating to the course and the broader goals of the Lab.
- On site visits (in-service day including workshop) – Herzog Global staff and the local facilitator conduct two in-service days as an introduction to the program, including a workshop for the participating teachers. There is an option to include an additional workshop for the general faculty.
Model B: Coaching-Based Growth
This model encourages the growth and development of Judaic Studies teachers, both individually and as a Professional Learning Community. Elements of this track include:
- Coordination with School Administration: The HLL coordinator will meet regularly with a member of the school leadership team, ensuring that pedagogical change becomes embedded in the school’s organizational culture.
- Individual coaching – Each participating teacher will receive a coach through Herzog Global. Coaching meetings will occur virtually or in-person, on a regular schedule, and will focus on a specific goal relating to the general focus of the Lab within the school. Coaching will be conducted in the preferred language of the teacher.
- Site visits (in-service day including workshop) – In addition to the initial site visit by Herzog staff, local coaches will visit the school, conduct on-site observations of your teachers, and offer a workshop to Lab participants (with the option of inviting the general faculty).
- Professional Learning Communities (PLC) – Participants will engage in monthly PLC meetings with the Lab team and a facilitator from Herzog Global. These meetings are intended for teachers to share their learning with each other and grow together as a team.
Program Funding
The Herzog Learning Labs program has been developed in partnership with UnitEd, Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs & Combatting Antisemitism, and with funding from the Pincus Fund for Jewish Education.
Discounts may be available for schools in some countries, and we are happy to work with local education boards and help you to apply for governmental funding if relevant.
Are you ready to transform your school’s Judaic Studies program?
Let’s talk about what Herzog Learning Labs can do for your school.
Complete the form below and we’ll arrange a conversation.