Salesforce Product TAs

Zones of Learning: Comfort, Stretch, and Panic

Objectives:

Participants will . . .

Understand the concept of comfort, stretch, and panic zones as they relate to growth and learning.

Be able to recognize what these zones might look or feel like for themselves and their students.

Explore Jewish wisdom on balancing between the zones.

Set stretch goals for themselves as a TA.

You’re in Charge!

Objectives: Participants will... Feel more comfortable stepping into the role of an authority figure. Understand what behaviors they are expected to manage and/or discipline. Gain practical tools for being a fair, effective leader in the classroom.

Building Jewish Identity in Kids

Objectives: Participants will... Explore aspects of their own complex identities, Jewish and otherwise, including key role models who have shaped or strengthened it. Recognize the influential role they play as Jewish role models for the children they work with. Set intentions for expressing and embodying their Jewish identity and values when working with younger children.

Managing Responsibilities: Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Teachers Together

Objectives:

Participants will . . .

Begin to foster a positive, collaborative relationship as a TA-teacher team.

Clarify the distinct responsibilities of TAs and teachers, including identifying tasks TAs can perform independently and those that require teacher oversight.

Create a shared brit (covenant) to set intentions for a respectful and effective working partnership.

Emotional Well-Being

Objectives: Participants will... Explore the meaning of emotional well-being. Identify stressors or “baggage” that they and their students may bring with them into the classroom. Gain concrete tools and resources to support students and build an emotionally supportive culture in their classrooms.

Inclusion and Belonging

Objectives: Participants will... Identify strategies for fostering an inclusive environment by recognizing diverse needs and opportunities for support. Understand how language shapes inclusion and belonging, and then practice using language that encourages a sense of community. Learn how small, intentional changes in practices can create a more supportive and accessible space for all students.

Siyyum: Your Learning Story

Objectives: Participants will... Reflect on the learning process and list what they remember most. Review the previous sessions and celebrate what they’ve learned. Synthesize their experiences as TAs and knowledge gained to pass forward to the next cohort. Show gratitude for one another and their experience this year.

Personal Boundaries, Communication, and Consent

Objectives:

Participants will . . .

Appreciate the concept of personal space and reflect on what happens to personal space in a group setting.

Navigate the basic elements of positive physical connection.

Role model clear communication to set physical boundaries.

Understand what supportive physical connection entails.

Implement ways to help facilitate positive physical connection, set physical boundaries, and provide supportive physical connection for others.

Feedback and Accountability

Objectives: Participants will... Apply skills on how and when to offer feedback. Understand their role in proactively anticipating and addressing issues before they become problems. Implement a new level of accountability that comes with their TA role.