EduCon 2.4

Sara Shapiro-Plevan is a doctoral student and adjunct faculty member in the Davidson School of Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Her research focuses on the impact of social and professional networks on the career trajectory of congregational educators, team teaching, and communities of practice in support of professional learning and growth. Sara prepares graduate students in the field of congregational education to take leadership roles in the field as a part of the Synagogue Educational Leadership practicum, and teaches basic pedagogy to students in the Davidson, Cantorial and Rabbinical Schools.

Sara most recently served as a consultant for the Board of Jewish Education NY-SAJES, (now The Jewish Education Project) working directly with congregational educators in the greater New York area to build strong collegial networks, improve practice and cultivate leadership. She has served as director of education and as assistant director of education in three Manhattan congregations, and has served as the director of professional development for the METNY region of USCJ, where she developed professional learning programs for teachers in congregational schools. In addition to her consultations for congregations in the New York area, Sara has partnered with congregations across the country to reimagine their model, build new governance structures and align curriculum with vision.