TCI’s Summer Institute:
Critical Text-Study Techniques from the Jewish Tradition

The Governor’s Academy, Byfield, MA

June 23-26, 2008

 

 

What Will You Gain?

·   Powerful teaching methodologies that will transform your classroom

·   In-depth exposure to pivotal, relevant Biblical texts

·   Access to a network of committed, creative independent school teachers who grapple with applying or teaching biblical texts in the classroom

·   An overview of the Jewish approach to teaching and studying the Hebrew Bible

 

 

TCI’s Summer Institute: Overview

Biblical allusions and archetypes are found throughout works we teach in the independent school classroom. John Steinbeck, William Shakespeare, Marc Chagall, and Toni Morrison all pepper their work with Biblical references, subtle and overt, yet students struggle to understand and find relevance in these ancient texts.

 

TCI’s Summer Institute provides a unique forum in which teachers can delve into classic Biblical texts and learn sophisticated, unique, and relevant text-study methodologies rooted in the Jewish tradition of Biblical interpretation.

 

The methodologies taught at TCI’s Summer Institute have proven effective in promoting students’ active engagement with texts and with each other, transforming the classroom into a place of mutual support and intellectual inquiry.

 

Beginning with the Bible and continuing through multiple generations of post-Biblical literary interpretation, TCI’s experienced instructors weave together methodology, history of interpretation, and literary content. Each day, instructors team-teach with outstanding independent school teachers to illustrate the contemporary application of these techniques and material.

 

TCI’s Summer Institute demonstrates that time-honored methodologies can complement and enhance progressive classrooms.

 

Click here to register for Summer Institute 2008!

 

 

Unique Methodologies

Hevruta

Hevruta is an ancient form of paired text study in which students grapple with the meanings and ideas embodied in a given text. Hevruta is an inclusive and empowering educational strategy that hones close-reading skills and promotes a classroom environment of respect, sharing, and inquiry.

 

Midrash

Rabbinic midrash, which uses rules and structures to “play” with biblical text, is an interpretive methodology used throughout Jewish history to promote creative thinking and discovery of personal meaning.

 

Bibliodrama

The opportunity to speak in the voice of a literary character can yield new insight into familiar text and engage learners in emotional and personal ways.  Students quickly step into the persona of biblical characters to make their stories and dilemmas come to life. 

 

 

Participants

The strategies and texts explored at the Institute can be used by any educator, but are best suited for literature and history teachers, chaplains and religion teachers, student advisors and counselors who work with student groups.

 

 

Levels of Learning

Small group sessions provide opportunities to share your individual voice and to customize learning based on your needs and experience. First-time participants will be introduced to the methodologies and returning participants will continue to develop and hone their abilities through advanced study.

 

 

Institute Faculty

TCI faculty members are engaging, exemplary educators who possess sophisticated knowledge of Jewish texts and learning strategies. They bring a wealth of teaching and curriculum development experience to the Institute. 

 

 

New England’s North Shore

Join TCI for evenings out exploring historic New England. Extend your stay to enjoy everything the region has to offer: ballgames in Fenway Park, outdoor concerts in the Berkshires and sailing in the Atlantic Ocean.

 

 

Fees
    $695 per person includes tuition, room and board
    $595 per person for 2 participants from the same school
    $495 per person for 3 or more participants from the same school
    $350 for prior participants who refer a new attendee
    $350 for participants west of the Mississippi River

 

Early Registration Discount:
    Deduct $100 if you register by April 1, 2008.

 

 

Click here to register for Summer Institute 2008!

 

 

For more information, or to receive a brochure by mail, please contact Beth Oppenheim at agaynor@tcionline.org or 646.230.1630 x201.

 

 

Our 2008 Summer Institute flyer is available online. Feel free to distribute it to colleagues and friends. Over 210 schools have participated in TCI's unique professional development opportunities.