SAJ’s synagogue-school program Makom has a robust Teen (teaching) Assistant program, that empowers the next generation of Jewish leaders and emerging educators.

Students in (spring)8th-12th grade serve in administrative, interactive, and creative capacities in our synagogue-school. Whether online in Zoom breakout rooms (2020-2021) or in person, Teen Assistants are partners to teachers in keeping every student engaged, safe, and cared for.  

Teen Assistants receive professional development training as a cohort, and mentoring from their supervising teacher, to develop skills in classroom management, Jewish content, awareness of student needs, etc.  

Out of the Teen Assistant program, Teens get recognition for volunteer hours and letters of recommendation for school and professional opportunities.

Teen Assistants can become role models for our younger students, and often take on additional babysitting opportunities.

This school year, we expect classroom Teen Assistants to be at SAJ on Saturdays 9:30am-12:00pm.

We also have various projects for Teen Volunteers in the office, and around holidays, that can be staggered at other times.

For information about Teen Assisting or Teen Volunteering, please contact Director of Education and Family Engagement, Debra Fricano at Debra@saj.nyc