The Jewish Theological Seminary
Day School Leadership Training Institute
Click here to view a 3 minute video about the DSLTI.
In 1997, The Jewish Theological Seminary established the Day School Leadership Training Institute (DSLTI) with support from AVI CHAI to address the demand for exemplary leadership in the expanding day school movement. The program has produced a national network of graduates who are serving in senior leadership positions in Conservative, Reform, and community day schools.
Day School Leadership Training Institute
Mission Statement
To ensure the growth and success of Jewish day schools, the Day School Leadership Training Institute develops a cadre of visionary and skilled educational leaders who exemplify Jewish values and are committed to transmitting them to this and future generations.
Where Are They Now? The DSLTI Difference
The Day School Leadership Training Institute is unlike any other professional development program. Bringing together exemplary practitioners, scholars, and emerging leaders for an intensive two-year program, it combines formal and informal learning, study, and practice in the areas most critical to leadership success in the Jewish day school environment. DSLTI offers its alumni high-quality continuing educational opportunities.
Participants typically enter the DSLTI program in the midst of serious reflection about their careers. Often they are in the process of transitioning into new positions or considering a move to a different school.
In interviews conducted upon completion, participants reported that the institute:
- Provided a transformational educational experience that encouraged self-reflection, as well as critical and analytical thinking
- Engendered a deeper understanding of the specific qualities and skills necessary to lead a Jewish day school
- Provided a rich, value-laden framework upon which to build Jewish educational leadership skills
- Helped clarify their personal visions of Jewish educational leadership
- Provided a clearer picture of the day-to-day responsibilities and activities of a day school leader
- Increased confidence in their leadership abilities and career choices
- Broadened their horizons beyond their own schools to encompass the wider needs of Jewish education
"The sessions were rich, offering a brilliant balance of theoretical and practical guidance. Jewish texts and values were used throughout the summer to inform our developing roles as leaders within Jewish day schools and within our greater communities. Personally, the sessions led me to develop an affinity for collaborative leadership."
"For the first time in my adult life, I feel unified: my values at work are my values at home. My roles as educator, husband, and father are all complementary. The leaders of the institute recognized my potential and have blessed me with knowledge and friendships that will enhance my life and hopefully numerous Jewish students for years to come."
"This past month was a thrilling one for me, as I am sure it was for my colleagues in the cohort. The planning and thought that went into every decision was evident every step of the way. Every case study, framing and reflection question, reading assignment, and task felt deliberately timed and calculated."
"It was not just the high quality and thought-provoking discourse that made the month truly uplifting, however. It was also the tone of professionalism that underscored everything we did. You, and the mentors, invited us to learn not just from you, but with you. You valued our thoughts and insights."
"We have forged a bond as a group that I do not believe exists elsewhere in our profession of Jewish education. I look forward to continuing the DSLTI journey."