Catalog Catalog
Gain the tools to support your students with a range of different learning needs from experts at Gateways.
“Each
Welcome Welcome
DEAR EDUCATORS AND LEADERS,
I am thrilled to share the 2025-2026 catalog for the Center for Professional Learning at Gateways: Access to Jewish Education.
This catalog is your guide to the professional learning opportunities we offer to support your community. Inside, you’ll find a variety of workshops, coaching sessions, consulting services, and community-wide learning initiatives. From teen madrichim training, to Hebrew decoding strategies, to guidance on making your classroom more inclusive, our offering cover a wide range of needs and are based on best practices an decades of experience in the field of inclusion.
The Center for Professional Learning trainings are available to Jewish day schools, early learning centers, camps, supplementary schools, and any organization serving Jewish learners Whether you are an educator, administrator, clergy member, or lay leader, we have programs tailored to help you create inclusive and welcoming Jewish environments
We are excited to continue bringing our high-quality core workshops to the Jewish educational community. With great feedback from our participants, we look forward to offering these proven, impactful workshops again, designed to help you and your teams build a more inclusive world.
At Gateways: Access to Jewish Education, we continue to be deeply committed to supporting schools in their journey toward inclusivity. I invite you to be in contact so we can collaborate and help your school become more inclusive. Together, we can make a lasting impact!
Best Regards,
Brian Coonley Director of Professional Learning and Consultation
Gateways: Access to Jewish Education
Welcome Welcome
ABOUT GATEWAYS: ACCESS TO JEWISH EDUCATION
Gateways: Access to Jewish Education provides a comprehensive set of services to enable children and teens with disabilities, mental health challenges, and diverse learning needs to participate meaningfully in Jewish life and learning. Through ou Jewish Education Programs, therapeutic and educational service Jewish day schools, professional development, and more, we st open the gates to Jewish education and community to every chi work directly with children, families, educators, administrators, and community leaders in a range of Jewish educational setting investing in the full educational ecosystem surrounding the chil and teens we serve. In doing so, we build a stronger Jewish community, where all belong.
The Center for Professional Learning at Gateways Gateways’ Center for Professional Learning is dedicated to help educators, administrators, clergy, and lay leaders throughout th community build a more inclusive world. Whatever Jewish educ setting you come from we have a professional learning opportunity for you!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
We are always finding new gems in the Gateways curriculum to help teach our neurodiverse learners. Moreover, when we have a need for something that we don't see in the curriculum, the Gateways staff is always eager to assist and help send over the appropriate resources ”
~ Sarah DeWoskin, Director & Founder of LEV Children’s Museum, Cooper City, FL
Core Workshops Overview Core Workshops Overview
WHAT ARE CORE WORKSHOPS?
Gateways’ Core Professional Development Workshops are based on our most requested and popular offerings Core Workshops are taught by Gateways staff who are experts in their respective fields All workshops are two hours in length Similar organizations may choose to partner with one another to participate in joint learning
CORE WORKSHOP TOPICS
Each Gateways training reminds me of the importance of learner-centered education and the benefits that come from forming individual relationships with each of our students. Gateways trainings inspire our teachers to bring the best version of themselves to the classroom which in turn inspires our students to be their best selves.”
~ Eliana Stein, Assistant Director of K-7 Learning Programs, Temple Beth Elohim, Wellesley, MA
These topics are tailored, where appropriate, to fit your educational setting, whether you’re at a supplementary school, preschool & early learning centers, Jewish day school, or informal Jewish educational space. See pages 3-6 for detailed course descriptions.
Social-Emotional and Mental Health
Proactive Behavior Management
Universal Design for Learning
Inclusive Lesson Planning
CORE WORKSHOP COSTS
Neurodiversity
Autism
ADHD
Gateways is grateful for the support of Boston’s Combined Jewish Philanthropies, which allows us to offer discounted rates for local trainings. All pricing is for a 2 hour course.
Other Professional Learning Other Professional Learning
Gateways continues to offer other professional development opportunities and support beyond our Core Workshops. If you are interested in arranging one of these offerings for you or your staff, please email cplinfo@jgateways.org for more information.
Are you a director, supervisor, teacher, or inclusion specialist interested in better supporting students with disabilities and making your school more accessible? Gateways offers individual coaching and consultation sessions to help educators create inclusive learning environments and change school culture.
A multi-sensory approach to Hebrew decoding designed to make the learning process accessible and intuitive for students with diverse abilities. The program utilizes strategies consistent with the Orton-Gillingham methodology and focuses on helping students make a connection between the way a letter looks and the way it sounds We have successfully trained many Jewish educators to implement this program to support their students in developing Hebrew reading skills
Educators in Jewish day school settings can participate in this year-long fellowship for certification to implement Gateways’ Shiluv Peer Disability Education Curriculum in their classrooms. Shiluv Fellows develop grounding in the philosophy and history of disability rights and inclusion, cultivate a shared language about difference and disability, and receive coaching as they implement Shiluv in their classrooms. This is more than disability awareness; it’s equipping educators with the tools to drive change, beginning with our youngest learners. Learn more about Shiluv at jgateways.org/programs/shiluv.
Congregational schools have made great strides in including a wider range of learners However, the reality is that these schools may lack the resources, such as a trained paraprofessional or educational aide, to help some of their students succeed Gateways can help schools meet this challenge with our comprehensive training program for teenage volunteer teachers’ assistants, also known as madrichim. This curriculum, used successfully for over two decades in Gateways’ Jewish Education Programs, will empower your teen madrichim with the tools to become effective classroom aides.
TEENMADRICHIM TEENMADRICHIM TRAINING TRAINING
Other Professional Learning Other Professional Learning
Our teens got to learn about neurodiversity and receive suggestions and training from Gateways so they can support all learners. I think it was eye-opening for several of our teens to see what active choices they can make to support neurodivergent students. I have seen several of them already use the strategies to address students who were off task or not engaged in class.”
~ Liz Shiro, Co-Director of Learning & Engagement, Temple Shalom, Newton, MA
OTHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
B’Yadenu Toolkit
B’Yadenu Hebrew for “In Our Hands” is a whole-school strategic approach designed to improve access and student outcomes. It focuses on embedding practices and structures that address the diverse learning styles and needs of all students throughout an entire school. Using a comprehensive toolkit and personalized coaching, B’Yadenu guides day schools through a transformative process to drive meaningful, whole-school change and enhance inclusion.
Webinar Series
Keep an eye on your email during the 2025-2026 school year for details about our annual online webinar series. These one-hour sessions are open to educators, parents, leaders, and beyond, and will cover a range of important and timely topics.
Asynchronous Trainings
This year we will be offering two new online trainings in Hebrew Decoding and Differentiation and Modifications in Day Schools. Further information will be communicated via Gateways’ emails, website, and social media.
Camp Training and Coaching
Looking for support, consultation, and/or collaboration as you manage campers’ behavioral challenges and needs? Seeking guidance in creating an inclusive and supportive camp environment for all? Email cplinfo@jgateways.org if you are interested in training or coaching for your camp staff.
Core Workshop Course Details Core Workshop Course Details
PRESCHOOLS & EARLY LEARNING CENTERS
Supporting the SocialEmotional and Mental Health Needs of Young Children
Gateways Instructor: Ali Shwartz, Ed.M., Mental Health Specialist
Explore actionable strategies, targeted classroom activities, and evidence-based interventions to address the escalating social-emotional and mental health demands of children Learn about mindfulness practices, trauma-informed teaching techniques, and cognitive behavioral strategies that will support your most vulnerable students.
Proactive Behavior
Management: Planning for Success
Gateways Instructor: Jodi Katz, MS, BCBA, LABA, Assistant Director of Gateways Jewish Education Programs & Behavioral Specialist
Creating an Inclusive Early Learning Classroom
Gateways Instructor: Elana NaftalinKelman, Special Education Consultant
Educators today are feeling more overwhelmed than ever by challenging behaviors in the classroom Behavior is a form of communication, and by understanding the functions of behavior, you can address it more effectively. Learn the “ABC” approach for identifying what a child might be communicating through their behavior. Empower yourself with proactive strategies and systems to set children up for success and to support them when challenging behaviors do occur.
Supporting Neurodivergent Students in the Early Learning Classroom
Gateways Instructor: Elana NaftalinKelman, Special Education Consultant
Explore inclusive strategies for setting up the early learning classroom environment and designing curriculum so all students can thrive. Strategies covered include: using visual aids, developing effective schedules and routines, embracing open-ended play to maximize learning potential, individualizing strategies to meet students’ needs, partnering with parents, and what to do when you notice developmental red flags
Children experience and interact with the world around them in many ways. This workshop will help educators understand neurodiversity and create early learning environments in which neurodivergent students can thrive and find a true sense of belonging.
Supporting Autistic Students in the Early Learning Classroom
Gateways Instructor: Elana NaftalinKelman, Special Education Consultant
Often, the burden is placed on Autistic children to adapt to neurotypical settings that are not designed with their profiles and needs in mind. Learn the foundations of creating classrooms, lessons, activities, and systems that value Autistic learners and proactively set Autistic students up for success.
Core Workshop Course Details Core Workshop Course Details
SUPPLEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Supporting the SocialEmotional and Mental Health of Students
Gateways Instructor: Ali Shwartz, Ed M , Mental Health Specialist
Explore actionable strategies, classroom activities, and evidence-based interventions to address escalating socialemotional and mental health needs among children in the classroom Learn about mindfulness practices, traumainformed teaching techniques, and cognitive behavioral strategies that will support your most vulnerable students.
Proactive Behavior
Management: Planning for Success
Gateways Instructor: Jodi Katz, MS, BCBA, LABA, Assistant Director of Gateways Jewish Education Programs & Behavioral Specialist
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Gateways Instructor: Elana NaftalinKelman, Special Education Consultant
Educators today are feeling more overwhelmed than ever by challenging behaviors in the classroom. Behavior is a form of communication, and by understanding the functions of behavior, you can address it more effectively Learn the “ABC” approach for identifying what a child might be communicating through their behavior. Empower yourself with proactive strategies and systems to set children up for success and to support them when challenging behaviors do occur.
Learn the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework used to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all students. Learn how to provide students with multiple means to engage with, represent, and express their learning. By using these principles, educators can create learning environments that are accessible to all students
Supporting Neurodivergent Students in Supplementary School
Gateways Instructor: Brian Coonley, M Ed , Director of Professional Learning & Consultation
Children experience and interact with the world around them in many ways This workshop will help educators understand neurodiversity and create supplementary school learning environments in which neurodivergent students can thrive and find a true sense of belonging.
Supporting Students with ADHD in Supplementary School
Gateways Instructor: Elana NaftalinKelman, Special Education Consultant
Nearly 10% of children will be diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives. Explore how to adapt classroom environments and teaching modalities to set students with ADHD up for success in the supplementary school setting
Core Workshop Course Details Core Workshop Course Details
SUPPLEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Supporting Autistic Students in Supplementary School
Gateways Instructor: Elana NaftalinKelman, Special Education Consultant
Inclusive Lesson Planning
Gateways Instructor: Elana NaftalinKelman, Special Education Consultant
Often, the burden is placed on Autistic students to adapt to neurotypical settings that are not designed with their profiles and needs in mind. Learn the foundations of creating classrooms, lessons, activities, and systems that value Autistic learners and proactively set Autistic students up for success.
Explore inclusive strategies for setting up the supplementary school environment and designing curriculum so all students can thrive. Strategies covered include: using visual aids, developing effective schedules and routines, embracing openended play to maximize learning potential, individualizing strategies to meet students’ needs, partnering with parents, and what to do when you notice developmental red flags
Core Workshop Course Details Core Workshop Course Details
JEWISH DAY SCHOOLS
Supporting the SocialEmotional and Mental Health of Students
Gateways Instructor: Ali Shwartz, Ed M , Mental Health Specialist
Explore actionable strategies, classroom activities, and evidence-based interventions to address escalating socialemotional and mental health needs among children in the classroom Learn about mindfulness practices, traumainformed teaching techniques, and cognitive behavioral strategies that will support your most vulnerable students.
Proactive Behavior
Management: Planning for Success
Gateways Instructor: Jodi Katz, MS, BCBA, LABA, Assistant Director of Gateways Jewish Education Programs & Behavioral Specialist
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Gateways Instructor: Elana NaftalinKelman, Special Education Consultant
Educators today are feeling more overwhelmed than ever by challenging behaviors in the classroom. Behavior is a form of communication, and by understanding the functions of behavior, you can address it more effectively Learn the “ABC” approach for identifying what a child might be communicating through their behavior. Empower yourself with proactive strategies and systems to set children up for success and to support them when challenging behaviors do occur.
Supporting Neurodivergent Students in the Classroom
Gateways Instructor: Elana NaftalinKelman, Special Education Consultant
Learn the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework used to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all students Learn how to provide students with multiple means to engage with, represent, and express their learning. By using these principles, educators can create learning environments that are accessible to all students.
Inclusive Lesson Planning
Gateways Instructor: Elana NaftalinKelman, Special Education Consultant
Children experience and interact with the world around them in many ways This workshop will help educators understand neurodiversity and create Jewish day school learning environments in which neurodivergent students can thrive and find a true sense of belonging.
Explore inclusive strategies for setting up day school classrooms and designing curriculum so all students can thrive Strategies covered include: using visual aids, developing effective schedules and routines, embracing open-ended play to maximize learning potential, individualizing strategies to meet students’ needs, partnering with parents, and what to do when you notice developmental red flags.
I worked for two decades as a congregational educator and can attest to how vital the support of Gateways was in helping to create a culture in which all students are recognized for their unique abilities and supported in the ways they need.
~ Kim Bodemer, Director of Adult Learning, Hebrew College, Newton, MA
