NewCAJE16: Full Schedule

The NewCAJE conference is a vibrant gathering that unites Jewish educators and professionals to strengthen the Jewish community through education. Rooted in the legacy of CAJE, NewCAJE fosters innovation, collaboration, and inspiration. The conference offers space for sharing best practices, exploring new ideas, and deepening Jewish and educational learning. Committed to inclusivity and pluralism, it welcomes educators from all backgrounds, creating a supportive network that empowers them to make a lasting impact.

2:00pm EDT

Reaching and Teaching All Learners: Creating a Culture of Inclusion in the Supplemental School Setting

Monday June 23, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Van Meter Hall: VM - G02

This session offers practical approaches, tools and insights to support diverse learners and cultivate a welcoming environment in Jewish supplemental schools.

Speakers

Meredith Polsky

Founder & Director of Vision and Impact, Matan

Meredith Polsky, Founder & Director of Vision and Impact at Matan, is a nationally sought-after speaker on Jewish Disability Inclusion and is often called upon as an expert voice in the field. A 2017 Covenant Award winner, Meredith is also a licensed clinical social worker and co-author... Read More →

Monday June 23, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G02

Admin Special Needs Inclusion

Subject Admin/School Directors Certificate

3:45pm EDT

Create Sensory Play Experiences and Build an Inclusive and Supportive Classroom

Monday June 23, 2025 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Julia Rogers: JR - 277

In this session, participants will experience the self-regulating magic of hands-on sensory play! Participants will come away with concrete tools to build inclusive experiences for learners with a diverse array of learning and social skills. Sensory integration also supports children’s complex behaviors and development. This is ideal for early childhood and elementary classrooms but can be used with learners of all ages.

Speakers

Erin Beser

Director of Whole Community Inclusion, Jewish Learning Venture

Erin Beser is the Director of Whole Community Inclusion at the Jewish Learning Venture. She also currently teaches 6th grade Jewish studies at the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy in Bryn Mawr and is the founder and CEO of Adoughma Dough Play Events, a sensory education initiative working... Read More →

Monday June 23, 2025 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 277

Early Childhood Education Special Needs Inclusion

Subject Early Childhood Education Certificate

8:30am EDT

Working in the Playground of Neurodiversity

Tuesday June 24, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

Van Meter Hall: VM - G01

Children with scattered minds LOVE to be creative! This experiential workshop will provide encouragement and specifics for working with young inventors, builders, crafters, artists, performers and musicians whether teaching the parasha or the holidays. The workshop includes one play break to move freely before returning to more structured play.

Speakers

Debbie Rittner

Hebrew/Judaic Studies Teacher, Congregation Beth El of the Sudbury River Valley; Sinai Brookline

Debbie Rittner is a Hebrew/Judaic Studies teacher, artist and performing artist whose specialty is students who need more support, including students with ADHD, students on the autism spectrum, and students with mental health challenges. She has worked as a b'nai mitzvah tutor... Read More →

Tuesday June 24, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G01

Special Needs Inclusion

10:30am EDT

Inclusive Classrooms: Differentiation with Accessible Tools

Tuesday June 24, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Van Meter Hall: VM - G01

Explore practical differentiation strategies and inclusion techniques using Matan and ShalomLearning's Accessible Differentiation Tool. Through case studies, learn to effectively support diverse learners in Jewish educational settings.

Speakers

Shira Sender

Director/Head of School, Director of Client Care and Teacher Support

TBD

Tuesday June 24, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G01

Special Needs Inclusion

8:30am EDT

Creating Classrooms that Support Inclusion, Behavior Management and Social-Emotional Learning

Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

Julia Rogers: JR - 277

Participants will explore how to design inclusive learning spaces by understanding children's complex behaviors as a manifestation of neurodiversity and sensory needs. Learning can be positively affected from the moment a child walks into a room and then supported during challenges and transitions, using the space, lesson design, and teacher language. There will be sensory play for attendees!

Speakers

Erin Beser

Director of Whole Community Inclusion, Jewish Learning Venture

Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 277

Classroom Management Special Needs Inclusion

Subject Early Childhood Education Certificate