On Sunday, May 19, Jewish New Teacher Project (JNTP) of New Teacher Center honored the collective achievements of Jewish day school educators and recognized Fayge Safran Novogroder, JNTP founder, director of JNTP’s administrator support program and master educator, for her role in advancing the field and for her instrumental role in establishing and leading JNTP for two decades. Over 80 people attended the event, including Safran Novogroder’s family, existing and prospective donors, program alumni, school leaders, and JNTP staff.

The 20th anniversary event celebrated JNTP’s immediate and long-lasting impact over 20 years. It showcased JNTP’s work supporting beginning teachers, experienced teachers and administrators through a conversation between Dr. Tali Herman, a new teacher at Ramaz Upper School, and Joseph Kaufthal, her former biology student. The two spoke about their experience of Herman’s participation in JNTP’s Teacher Induction Program. Aliza Strassman, director of SINAI@Kushner, shared her experience as a participant in JNTP’s Administrator Support Program.

In addition, the event highlighted JNTP’s work with SAR High School through a video presentation. Rounding out the evening, Nina Bruder, JTNP’s executive director, Josh Miller from the Jim Joseph Foundation, Rabbi Dr. Michael Berger, JNTP Leadership Council member, and Safran Novogroder’s daughter all paid tribute to the educator.

On May 29, JNTP hosted a virtual gathering for JNTP alumni — past participants of its signature Teacher Induction and Administrator Support Programs — to pay tribute to Safran Novogroder and share stories, memories, reflections and toasts. As one participant shared, “Fayge was an incredible mentor and guide … [she] gave me the tools and resources to grow and continue to grow.” Another shared, “The Administrator Support Program was a lifeline for me as a first-year principal.”

To learn more about JNTP’s programs and to register for next year’s Teacher Induction and Administrator Support cohorts, visit jntp.org/program-registration-2024-25. To support JNTP’s effort in advancing the field of Jewish day school education and to make a donation to the 20th anniversary campaign, visit www.jntp.org/support-us.