NATE serves Jewish educational leaders working for the advancement of Reform Jewish education by:
Promoting and encouraging the professional growth of its members. Advocating for the profession of Jewish education by improving the context in which educators work.
"NATE serves Jewish educational leaders working for the advancement of Reform Jewish education." NATE primarily serves educational leaders who focus on congregational education. We define this broadly to include all educational leaders who work within congregational settings as well as those who serve or support congregational programs. All professionals engaged in the work of Reform Jewish education are welcome and encouraged to be a part of NATE. While we may provide different services for various constituencies depending on needs and resources we further seek to support all of our members by partnering with other professional organizations.
"Promoting and encouraging the professional growth of its members."" We live in a demanding and ever-changing world and, as such, we must continually expand our knowledge and imrpove our skills. As educators, we also know that people learn in different ways and need different types of professional growth opportunities. NATE provides an expanding range of growth opportunities, including conferences, kallot, mentoring, the NATE News and the NATE list, and the fostering of collegial relationships. Through our membership categories and the support of the title Reform Jewish Educator (RJE), we honor educators who reach for high levels of professional competence.
"Advocating for the profession of Jewish education by improving the context in which educators work." We believe that Jewish education improves when educators work in a supportive, collegial and congenial work environment. NATE actively advocates for a positive working environment by consulting with institutions and educators who are in the placement process. NATE also aims to set standards for educational programs and practices through the process of school accreditation. In general, the services that NATE provides to its members help each individual educator and the profession as a whole.
NATE Vision Statement
NATE will serve as a leading professional organization for Reform Jewish educational leaders, supporting individual educators as professionals and effectively advocating for the profession of Jewish education.
NATE will be a source and conduit to professional development and lifelong learning that will continually raise the level of competence and confidence among all Reform educators.
NATE will be a model for collaboration among Reform Jewish educators, between educators and other Jewish professionals, and between educators and lay leaders.
NATE will work toward creating a positive partnership between educators seeking positions and institutions seeking educators by helping both parties to find suitable partners, and by promoting reasonable compensation and development opportunities. NATE will also advocate for professional educators by serving as a representative voice in the Reform movement.
NATE Values Statement
A values statement is a declaration of shared values, beliefs and principles on which an organization is built. This document representst the key values of the National Association of Temple Educators. As Reform Jews we choose to stand in a covenantal relationship to God, to Torah and to the people, land and State of Israel (Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael). As Jewish educators within the Reform movement, we are committed to the values that enable us to develop this covenantal relationship for ourselves. The following values are of primary importance to NATE as an organization.
Torat Chayim / Lifelong Learning
We believe that lifelong learning is essential for our growth as Jews and as educational leaders. As professional educators we dedicate our lives to the ongoing pursuit of Jewish and educational leadership.
Kavod / Respect
We believe that kavod is critical for the success of educators in our institutions, in their communities, in NATE and in the Reform movement. Creating a culture of respect for our members helps to raise the profile of the Reform Jewish educator.
Keruv / Inclusion
We believe in welcoming educators with various levels of education and experience, and appreciate their diversity. We believe that educators from all backgrounds will benefit from NATE and that the profession will benefit from NATE having a varied membership.
T'michat Amitim / Collegial Support
We believe that ollegial support is key for the ongoing development of educators. As colleagues who understand each other's roles and challenges, we value the opportunity to connect with and learn from one another.
Shituf P'ulah / Collaboration
We believe in the shared leadership in our organization, collaboration among professionals in their own institutions, and the collaboration of all the organizations of the Reform movement.
Miktzoyut / Professionalism
We believe that Reform Jewish educators have a responsibility to act with integrity, behave ethically and serve as knowledgeable and competent leaders.
Torat Chayim / Lifelong Learning
Kavod / Respect
Keruv / Inclusion
T'michat Amitim / Collegial Support
Shituf P'ulah / Collaboration
Miktzoyut / Professionalism