NEW YORK – The Partnership for Effective Learning and Innovative Education (PELIE) is now accepting applications for a fellowship to attend the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) 2011 conference, which will take place from June 26 to 29, in Philadelphia. ISTE’s annual conference and exposition is the world’s premier educational technology event, where 20,000 education and technology professionals from 60 countries unite for four days of professional learning and collaboration.

Individuals involved in part-time Jewish education for children are encouraged to apply. Applicants can come from all aspects of complementary Jewish education whether they are rabbis, educators, lay leaders or volunteers in synagogue schools, community programs, JCC initiatives, or youth groups. Fourteen fellowships are available.

“By providing these awards, it is PELIE’s hope that fellows will have the opportunity to learn how the use of technology can impact their work, develop communities of practice with like-minded Jewish educators and contribute to building the field of technology and Jewish education,” says Adena Raub, PELIE’s information manager.

Fellows must apply in teams of two, in order to send more than one champion for educational technology back to each community. Once they return to their home communities, team members can support one another in working toward shifting the culture of their Jewish educational community.  

Selected fellows will have the opportunity to participate in keynote presentations, “bring your own laptop” sessions, poster sessions, the global gallery, demonstrations, affinity group meetings and more. The seven teams will attend a group dinner at ISTE, as well as the Jewish educators’ affinity session. Plus, as registrants of the ISTE conference, fellows gain one year of ISTE membership.

Fellows are required to provide a written essay about their experiences, teach what they learn to their colleagues upon their return, and participate in two webinars during the 2011-2012 school year. Both team members must commit to attending the entire ISTE conference. Each selected team will receive conference registration for both members, plus $700 per pair for expenses.

Click here to download the fellowship application. Applications must be submitted electronically to Adena Raub at [email protected] on or before April 28, 2011. Award recipients will be notified by mid-May. For more information about the conference and ISTE, visit http://www.isteconference.org/2011. For questions, please contact Adena Raub, PELIE’s information manager at [email protected].