Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education - Supporting Jewish Day Schools
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PEJE Values

PEJE's activity derives from a carefully constructed set of values. These values inspire both internal PEJE functioning as well as our work with schools and with the day school movement.

Values of Excellence
Commitment to vision is the primary requirement of excellence. A powerful statement of vision provides invaluable direction into the future. Taking the time for reflection, evaluation, and strategic planning strengthens an institution and positions it to achieve its goals. Internal structures that support autonomy are the foundation for creative growth, and embracing the use of expertise enlarges potential for impact.

Community Values
A vision of community transformation depends on collaboration and allied partnerships. Institutions are conceived and develop through the dynamic lay-professional relationship that requires consideration and appreciation of the diverse perspectives of individuals and institutions alike.

Judaic Values
Promoting an active, committed, and literate Jewish community requires connection to traditional Jewish values and practices as well as an understanding of the core texts of Jewish history and Hebrew language. Establishing connections with the State of Israel and the worldwide Jewish community provides an eternal and global perspective.

PEJE's Vision for
Jewish Day Schools in 2015

PEJE invites all day schools to share in our vision for the day school field and to create their own school's unique vision of success.

Outstanding Enrollment and Human Resources
Enrollment in day schools will be substantially higher, with particular growth beyond the Orthodox community. More families will seek out day school education and keep their children enrolled through the success of attrition-prevention strategies. Day school Boards will be composed of individuals who have well-developed skills and expertise, who understand their role in keeping the school's mission in trust, and who excel in strategic thinking and in resource development. Day schools will be staffed by talented administrators and teachers who are well-compensated and who benefit from ongoing professional development programs to ensure their career growth over time.

Well-Supported, Accessible, Excellent Institutions
Schools will have been successful in securing substantially greater resources in support of their capital, operational, and endowment needs. Increased financial support will slow increases in tuition and will enable day schools to remain affordable and accessible. Schools will have developed meaningful relationships with more potential donors, such as grandparents, so-called mega-donors, and other communal leaders committed to Jewish vibrancy. A culture of accessing and paying for expertise will be well-established. Day schools will be organically connected to synagogues, youth groups, camps, the State and Land of Israel, and Jewish communities around the world in mutually reinforcing relationships.

Inspiring and Nurturing Centers of Learning
Bold visions of an active and literate Jewish community will inspire day schools to be text-based communities of learning for students, faculty, administration, parents, and Board members. Students will exhibit deep engagement and critical thinking within their studies, while experiencing the nurturing attention of a dedicated and caring staff. Schools will better serve students with diverse learning styles and needs.

Communal Valuing of Day Schools
A much greater percentage of the Jewish community will recognize the high quality of Jewish and general education offered within day schools. More community members will readily acknowledge the vital role that day schools play in nurturing a new generation of literate and engaged Jews and responsible citizens, and in building sustainable Jewish communities for the next generation of our people.

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