A Nice, Jewish Teacher: How American Elementary Education Became “Women’s Work”

By :  Shira D. Epstein Former Dean of the William Davidson School, JTS Posted On Nov 1, 2021 / 5782 | Monday Webinar Six Days Shall You Labor

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Part of the series, “Six Days Shall You Labor”: Perspectives on Work in Jewish Text and Tradition

THIS SESSION IS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY JANE AND RABBI JEROME M. EPSTEIN IN HONOUR OF DEAN SHIRA D. EPSTEIN

Learn how you can sponsor a Monday learning session. Contact learninglives@jtsa.edu.

Early 20th century elementary school teaching became synonymous with being female, and particularly in NYC, with being the right kind of Jewish young woman.

In this session, led by Dr. Shira D. Epstein, we will explore the sociocultural and historical forces that shaped this image of teachers, and how many of the discourses of what makes for an “effective teacher” have endured in Jewish settings.

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