Dr. Shira D. Epstein Named New Dean of the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education

JTS is pleased to announce that Dr. Shira D. Epstein, current assistant professor of Jewish Education, will become the new dean of The William Davidson School.  Dr. Epstein holds a BA from Brown University, an MA from NYU, and a EdD from Teachers College, Columbia University. She joined the JTS faculty in 2004 and during her time here has taught courses to master’s and executive doctoral students and served as coordinator of the Pedagogy and Teaching Concentration, as well as received multiple fellowships, grants, and awards in the field. She has published numerous articles and lectured widely about issues in Jewish education and gender equity.

Dr. Epstein’s research explores ways to support educators in reflecting upon their practice through a gender lens. She was founding project director for Addressing Evaded Issues in Jewish Education and she codeveloped Evaded Issues in Jewish Education: A Resource Guide for Jewish Educators, and the Educational Jewish Moments methodology. She authored two curricula for Jewish Women International: “Strong Girls, Healthy Relationships: A Conversation on Dating, Friendship, and Self-Esteem” and “Strong Girls! Friendships, Relationships, and Self-Esteem.” Dr. Epstein will assume this role after her predecessor, Dr. Bill Robinson, steps down.