Candidates in the Concurrent program may pursue the Jewish Teacher Education option, a course of study designed to prepare Hebrew teachers of Jewish studies Hebrew language arts and Jewish studies under guidelines established by the Faculty in consultation with the Centre for Jewish Education in Toronto. This program is unique in North America in preparing teacher candidates to teach both Jewish studies and general studies in Hebrew day schools.

Most students combine their BEd with a BA in Jewish studies, including the Advanced Certificate in Hebrew and Jewish Studies. The BEd and Advanced Certificate in Hebrew and Jewish Studies can, however, be combined with an undergraduate degree in another area such as English, fine arts, psychology or other disciplines.

There is also an option for applicants who have already earned an undergraduate degree to earn the BEd (Jewish Teacher Education) in the part-time Consecutive program over a three-year period. (See Consecutive BEd programs for further information.)

Teacher candidates enrolled in this program should include:

AP/HEB 3210 3.00 or AP/HEB 3211 3.00

AP/HEB 3220 3.00 or AP/HEB 3221 3.00

AP/HEB 3230 3.00 or AP/HEB 3231 3.00

These courses are offered on a rotating basis over a three-year cycle. Incoming and continuing students are asked to make an appointment for an informal Hebrew language assessment to determine the section in which to enrol by contacting the Department of Languages, Literature and Linguistics at 416-736-2100 ext. 55016.

Students must complete Hebrew 3000 or an approved equivalent prior to entering ED 2. This may be accomplished at York University or at a recognized Ulpan or Israeli university. This may also be accomplished as part of a university degree taken prior to entering the Jewish Teacher Education program or during the ED 1 year or during a stop-out year between ED 1 and ED 2.

Students who successfully complete the Jewish Teacher Education Program receive:

• an undergraduate degree;
• a bachelor of education degree (BEd);
• an Advanced Certificate of Hebrew and Jewish Studies;
• a recommendation for an Ontario Certificate of Qualification issued by the Ontario College of Teachers;
• a recommendation for Teaching Certification for Hebrew Teachers of Jewish Studies in accordance with the standards of the Toronto Board of License.

Teacher candidates in Jewish Teacher Education are expected to take a coherent program of Hebrew language and Jewish studies courses. Teacher candidates enrolled in the program should carefully prepare their academic programs each year in consultation with a Faculty of Education adviser and with the professor coordinating the Jewish Teacher Education option, in order to be sure that they meet the academic requirements of their program of study in the Faculty of Education. They should also consult with student advisers in the undergraduate program they are pursuing to ensure they are meeting the requirements of that degree as well.