Azrieli Online Master’s Program Provides Teachers Around the Globe with Degree in Jewish Education When Jana Libidensky, an educator and rebbetzin living in Chile, was ready to take her teaching skills to the next level, she knew exactly what school she wanted to attend: Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. The fact that it was located more than 5,000 miles away didn’t trouble her in the least. That’s because Azrieli is making cutting-edge Jewish education accessible to teachers and communities across the globe with a fully accredited online master’s degree. “What’s most exciting about this opportunity is providing students around the world with the same extraordinary Azrieli content that in the past was only available to those who could come in and meet us,” said Azrieli Dean Dr. Rona Milch Novick. “Our online program combines all the knowledge, skills and affinities that accrediting bodies believe is important for modern teachers to have, but melds it with an appreciation for Jewish tradition and Jewish education that isn’t normally available to many teachers in their local communities.” Incorporating new techniques like asynchronous discussion boards, online case studies, high-tech animations and simulations and multimedia source material in addition to readings and lectures from Azrieli’s world-class faculty, the program blends seamlessly with the master’s courses Azrieli students take on campus, enabling those who move to pursue job opportunities to complete their degrees. “We understand the importance of community, cooperation and networking, and we’re committed to harnessing the power of technology,” said Novick. “The reputation of YU is known far and wide and when I started looking for an online master's program, YU was one of the first places I looked,” said Libidensky, adding that she first learned about YU’s online learning options from the principal of her school, who was already enrolled in a program. “YU is helping me become a better teacher, with better tools to prepare and present my classes and a better capacity to take into consideration my students’ capabilities and preferences.” As the program expands, Novick anticipates the inclusion of virtual cafes, where teachers and students can engage in asynchronous learning around the clock, and faculty visits to students’ local communities. “Jewish day schools want to graduate students who can live a life rich in Jewish meaning,” said Novick. “Azrieli produces teachers that understand how to meet those student outcomes.”