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Brandeis Welcomes Educators from Around the World for Ethical Creativity Institute 2018

In June 2018, 31 educators from Jewish schools around the world participated in the third annual Ethical Creativity Institute (ECI) hosted by The Brandeis School of San Francisco. Started in 2016, ECI is a professional development program aimed at connecting design thinking, innovation, and Jewish ethics, while encouraging cross-pollination among a range of Jewish educators.
 
“This year's institute was our largest and most exciting, with educators and practitioners from around the world, as well experts in the fields of creativity, design thinking, and Jewish ethical frameworks,” says Director of Technology and Making Nicholas Cole-Farrell. “We were able to grow and share this evolving and important work beyond the walls of our classrooms, into the larger world of Jewish education.”
 
Many guests joined to lead conversations throughout the week, including Rabbi Katie Mizrahi from Or Shalom Jewish Community; Ariel Raz, learning experience designer, of Stanford’s d.school; Sarah Lefton, founder and director of BimBam; and Ryan Jenkins of the Wonderful Idea Co. In addition to visiting guests, the group traveled to the d.School at Stanford for a daylong deep-dive into design thinking; the Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) for a tour of the museum and a guided workshop—“Connecting Through Creativity”—led by Director of Education Fraidy Aber; and the Exploratium for After Dark, an adult-focused exploration of perception, art, and science.
 
The workshops explored design thinking, designing for multiple audiences, Jewish peoplehood, how Jewish identity impacts teaching and connections with students, how to present the Torah in a creative way, and the ethics of empathy. Adds Mr. Cole-Farrell, “It was especially wonderful to see our cohort of Brandeis educators shine so brightly in their pedagogy and practice, alongside such talented teachers from around the world.” MORE PHOTOS
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