by Yonit Tanenbaum

Mr. Eric Braunsteun (L) with Rabbi Nochum Kaplan.

A novel approach by an accredited, educational organization enables people with non-traditional educational backgrounds to qualify for graduate degrees. Graduate programs available in Crown Heights include tracks for: a Masters Degree in General Education, Business (M.B.A.), and Special Education. Some programs do not require the traditional Bachelor of Arts degree to enroll.

T.E.A.M. to Offer Graduate Education Program in CH

by Yonit Tanenbaum

Mr. Eric Braunsteun (L) with Rabbi Nochum Kaplan.

A novel approach by an accredited, educational organization enables people with non-traditional educational backgrounds to qualify for graduate degrees. Graduate programs available in Crown Heights include tracks for: a Masters Degree in General Education, Business (M.B.A.), and Special Education. Some programs do not require the traditional Bachelor of Arts degree to enroll.

T.E.A.M., an acronym for Teachers Education Assessment and Management, created by educators to cater to the needs of the general yeshiva community, has been specially redesigned to meet the needs of Chabad educators, especially those in Crown Heights.

Following its success in facilitating Nova Southeastern University’s online graduate program, educational leaders invited T.E.A.M. to come to Crown Heights and offer courses for baccalaureate and graduate degrees starting in January. Qualified applicants can earn a masters degree in general education, business, or special education, even if they have no prior formal undergraduate studies experience. Having seen T.E.A.M.’s success with the induction of an accredited academic and education-consulting program in Queens in 2007, these educators decided to facilitate T.E.A.M.’s B.A. and Masters program in Crown Heights.

“I had always wanted to be a teacher, but many schools are inclined to hire those with a masters degree in education in addition to smicha before those with rabbinical ordination alone,” recounts Josef S. who is studying now through T.E.A.M.’s education track by taking online correspondence courses through Nova Southeastern University. “I met with T.E.A.M. for a consultation. They told me how many credits my yeshiva studies counted for, and then helped to map out my year of online studies so that I can graduate with my masters from the comfort of my Brooklyn home.” A candidate who has smicha from an AARTS accredited school can move directly into a graduate program.

Currently, there are three graduate degrees granted by well-established universities that are facilitated by T.E.A.M, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree program available to those with and without prior formal education.

“We are excited to bring this service to the community,” comments Eric Braunstein, director of education initiatives at T.E.A.M. “There are major benefits for the Crown Heights community, considering the number of educators needed in local schools and considering residents’ need for income.”

For a person wishing to obtain a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) who has a background in yeshiva, seminary, or rabbinical studies, he (or she) may make a consultation appointment with a T.E.A.M advisor. The consultation includes a review of the applicant’s transcripts with an assessment of previously granted credits for application toward the undergraduate degree being pursued. Typically, about 75-80 credits are accepted from prior yeshiva studies and only an additional 35-40 credits, translating to about 13 courses, are necessary for an accredited B.A. The T.E.A.M. advisor will also help create a roadmap for those 13 courses that the applicant should take and is available for post-consultation support and guidance.
A person’s B.A. obtained either through T.E.A.M. or by attending any four-year accredited college can then be used for entrance to one of the T.E.A.M graduate programs, or as mentioned, smicha from an AARTS accredited yeshiva is considered a full B.A.

One T.E.A.M graduate program is a Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A.) offered in conjunction with a fully accredited Illinois-based university offering correspondence courses. This program, which has separate classes for men and women, begins this summer with three courses offered in Crown Heights and nine courses offered online at a 60% tuition discount through T.E.A.M. Without any prerequisite courses necessary for enrollment, he will complete all 36 credits and receive his M.B.A.

Another graduate degree being offered is through Pace University, a top-caliber regionally accredited school located in New York City. At a 30% discounted tuition rate, one can attend courses at the Manhattan campus in classrooms that are separate for men and women. Classes begin in September and will meet on Wednesday evenings. The student will graduate with New York State Teacher Certification, which can be used to teach in private schools.

A third T.E.A.M. graduate program track is one that will earn a person a Masters in Education and Learning. One can enter this track with a B.A., an Associate in Arts degree, or a yeshiva-accredited degree, yet one does not need to take any prerequisite courses in order to apply. Beginning in November, five courses will be held at a local T.E.A.M. facility that has separate classes for men and women. Following the in-class courses, the student will then be enrolled in Nova Southeastern University to complete his Masters by taking the seven remaining courses via a 40% reduced online correspondence tuition. One can also build into his degree a concentration in one of the following 15 Masters Degree Elective Options:

* Cognitive and Behavioral Disabilities
* Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology
* Early Literacy Education
* Educational Leadership
* Educational Technology
* Elementary Education
* Gifted Child Education
* Management and Administration of Educational Programs
* Mathematics Education
* Pre-Kindergarten and Primary Education
* Reading Education
* Science Education
* Social Studies Education
* Spanish Language Education
* Special Education

“Although the N.S.U. certification excludes teaching in public schools, those who wish to teach in the private yeshiva school system gain tremendously,” Braunstein asserts, “because they benefit in career advancement and salary increase. In addition, our modified scheduling, separate classes, and 40% tuition reduction provide current and aspiring educators an affordable pathway to earn accredited credentials in teaching.”

Someone who has no academic background, but has 3 or more years of teaching experience, can apply to T.E.A.M. for the Special Education track with a submission of a “Life Experience” portfolio.

“When I began teaching 20 years ago, a degree was not as crucial to finding a job as it is today,” explains Etti Siegel who recently graduated from N.S.U. with her Masters in Teaching and Learning and a concentration in Educational Leadership. “Thanks to T.E.A.M.’s and Nova’s rigorous courses, my degree has leveled the playing field and I have so many more opportunities available to me now,” emphasized the New York City native.

One leading Chabad educator said, “This is an opportunity that all forward-looking and sensitive educators should consider because it will improve their pedagogic skills and increase the effectiveness of our educational system.”

For rates, discounts, dates, and registration information, go to Teacher Education, Assessment & Management’s website at www.GoTeamEd.com or call the T.E.A.M. office at 718-925-3839.

25 Comments

  • Hmmm.

    So let’s hear the Mechanchos of Bais Rivka keep up a storm– while some of them themselves/children have earned degrees. But heaven help if others do. Cuz the rebbe said NO COLLEGE NO. Stop dragging ur feet in the dirt and take a sensible approach.
    INSTEAD of GENERALIZING to your capable students and shutting doors, encourage them to speak to personal mashpios. STOP TRYING TO MAKE DECISIONS FOR THE MASSES.
    Maybe you’ll earn a little bit more respect than u have now when u show u can respect the intelligence and ambitions of ur students.

  • Crunch

    I figured this would happen eventually… All of a sudden “secular” degrees (M.B.A. !!) are being offered by Merkas. I guess shlichus is just not a option for most these days…

  • Moti

    What does this have to do with chabad lubavitch? Is this a new direction we are taking?? Man dichar shmei??

  • the educated team

    wow finally our community has woken up to the realization that most families need dual income. Why should a qualified girl/women teach in a school making 10 an hour when she could be making 50! Good luck to all of u who pursue this route..u will reap the rewards!

  • Time to catch up

    “What does this have to do with chabad lubavitch? Is this a new direction we are taking??”

    Hopefully yes, it appears they are trying to elevate the educational level of our community to catch up with the rest of the country and world.

  • CH resident

    I want to share with you a story that I think it might be appropriate to some of your negative comments. We all know the Rebbe spoke very badly against TV. (It’s printed in Likutei Sichos). There were a group of people from Williamsburg going to Rabbonim from all different communities getting signatures against TV. They also went to the Rebbe. They were sure they Rebbe will sign it too since he talked so strong words against TV. However the Rebbe refused, saying by signing it will decrease it to Sholosh Klipos Hatmeos (very low level that can’t be elevated for a Kedusha).

    We can see now how many Yiddin got back to Yidishkiet getting information form TV or Internet. The same apply here. We have in our community young guys that we must save their Heilike Neshomos and we have to do everything for them.

    There were times that the Rebbe gave the okay to young guys to go for high education as long as it has a subject that they can get their parnasa. I did not write this to give any opinion or Chas v’Sholom say something that might be conflict with what the Rebbe said. But I am sure that such program is done by well Rabbonim and Mashpiim. So let’s appreciate and stop looking negative.

  • I feel duped

    I feel robbed. For all these years of no college, no degrees, that’s for BT’s – now any Johnny come late is being urged to get a degree and profession. About time they stopped pulling the wool over the eyes of many who today cannot afford tuitions, weddings and day to day living expenses.

  • Puzzled

    I don’t get it, now it’s fine to get a secular degree and who made it mutar all of a sudden??

  • Europen view...

    Hey from Europ!
    Do you know why the Rebbe did not encourage everybody to go to University? Simply because it is in a lot of cases a place of pritsus and because it is mixed and together with goyim and because in some cases you could learn something against torah.
    Yet, in my contry, the Rebbe encouraged a lot of people to go to university (and GD knows how bad are the universities in France!!!) and they are now the bigger leaders of Chabad.The Rebbe knew who could go and not go.

    Now, what is wrong with learning about kosher subjects, in a jewish place , men and women seperated etc??????
    Are you people confused?? Is there any difference between reading a book to earn a degree and reading a book for your personal interest on education or business????
    Be honest and admit:There is no difference.
    So now, why should we all struggle to earn a living? Is it to fit in the frum chassidishe style?
    Be realistic! It costs a lot of money to have a lot of kids, put them in yeshivos and marry them. So instead of complaining that we finally have the opportunity to educate our children in a frum way, say thank you!
    when you see your children or yourself can live with a little more than 2000 dollars a month, you will be probably happy!

    I am not enclosed in a shtetel mentality where everything you do is judged and where you have to adapt your views to a standard to be considered chassidish. And please educators, try to not brainwash your students!!!!!!!!!!!
    NO! This is not what makes you chassidish!

  • chanie

    All I can say is Baruch Hashem!!! Finally!!! This community desperately needs this!!!

  • Beware

    This degree will not give you a valid teacher’s license from the New York State Board of Education.
    This degree is from a University in Florida and NY state will not accept it.
    You cannot work in a public school or for the NY State Board of Ed. with this Masters. The most it can help you with is get a job in private school.

  • We want change (c v)

    Very Interesting!!!! This article is being printed besmichas to Yud Tes Teves the day of ‘hisyasdus of Oholie Torah’ in 5716 – 1956. The mosad that was established, under the Rebbe’s instructions, for those that want to follow the strong requests and demands that the Rebbe made during the previous year.

    It wasn’t that the Rebbe didn’t have a lubavitcher Yeshivah here that was started by the Frierdiker Rebbe.

    I guess the Rebbe did not forsee or make preperations for the future generations. And it’s time for us to fix it.

    May this be a proper HACHANA for Yud Shvat SHNAS HASHISHIM especially if you review the Sicha in Lekutie Shichos chelek 16, pg 145 and on.

    Bevirchas Chassidim Alei V’Hatzlech!!

  • Kop Doktar

    This is terrible! Don’t you people realize what this means? If we can get degrees and then decent jobs, what will happen to our…food stamps, medicaid, section 8?????? This is terrible, absolutely terrible!!

  • Kop Mentch

    To We want change (c v):
    Your point is that Rebbe surely did forsee and make preparations for the future generations (that’s us).

    However, do you really think the Rebbe believed that we will STILL be in Golus THIS long??

    Surely the Rebbe fully believed and expected and did forsee that by now Moshiach would have already arrived!!

    Alas, it did not happen. We are still in golus and surely that surely wasn’t the Rebbe’s plan. So we need a “Plan B”…

  • Article makes me say a four letter word

    I don’t want to use a four letter word on this site. But this article forces me to…I can’t hold back…sorry if I offend anyone…when I read this article it makes me think of…okay…here it comes… (I hope no children are viewing this obscene word), I will spell it: w-o-r-k.

  • L-lamed bno um-nos

    Bravo! The chiyuv L’lamed bno um’nos (obligation to teach son a trade – for parnasah)!

    However, I take issue with the opening words, “A novel approach”. This approach has been successfully enacted by Agudas Yisroel (Agudah) by was of Project COPE. Also, Mochon L’Parnasa. And of cource, Touro College. It isn’t “novel” but it is about time! Welcome!!

  • Edumacation Shmecation

    What is gayned by edumacation? Does it make person smarter? If I can reed and rite then I is smart enof. I don’t wanna be over qwalifyd!!!

  • 770 Bochur

    Learn the sicha in the FIRST volume of Likkutei Sichos, Parshas Shmois. Draw your own conclusions.

  • Shmuel

    This program is GREAT. I have researched and called the office. They have several great degrees. One will 100% give teacher Certification in N.Y., one will give the M.B.A. and still another Masters Degree is for the yeshiva private schools.

    Finally we have choices! It’s about time!

  • Important

    Baruch Hashem! Our community desperately needs this. Don’t sit back, take advantage of what Rabbi Kaplan is doing for us!

  • Ed

    Accreditation can be confusing. As you search for the perfect online MBA program, here are the basics you’ll need to remember:

    1. Regional accreditation is your best bet.
    See below.

    2. AACSB accreditation will make your online MBA stand out
    AACSB, perhaps the most widely known and respected MBA accrediting agency, focuses mainly on campus accreditation. However, they also do some online accreditation. According to AACSB, only 30 percent of MBA programs receive their accreditation.

    3. DETC accreditation may not be accepted everywhere.
    Online programs are mostly accredited by regional accrediting agencies. Online programs with regional or AACSB accreditation are preferable.

    4. Any other type of accreditation will not be as important as the three listed above.

    Regional Accreditation

    Regional accreditation is the most widely accepted type of accreditation. If you want your online MBA to be recognized by future employers, you’ll want to make sure to enroll in a school that has regional accreditation. T

    North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (info@ncacihe.org) –

    Ellis University: is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (http://www.ncahigherlearnin…) and is nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (http://www.detc.org). Ellis University is authorized to operate and grant degrees by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (http://www.ibhe.org).

    Bellevue University: is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS). The NCACS is one of the six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    Do I Need an AACSB-Accredited Online MBA?

    I’m looking for an online MBA (Master of Business Administration). I’ve found several that fit my budget but none of these are accredited by the AACSB. What is the AACSB? Do I really need a distance MBA degree that is accredited by them?

    Answer:

    The AACSB is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. It is a voluntary, non-governmental accrediting agency that oversees the standardization of collegiate schools of business and accounting nationwide.

    The AACSB has served as the academic watchdog of university business programs since 1916. Because of its longevity, many venerable Ivy League business schools are accredited by the AACSB. Stanford University, Yale University and Duke University, for example, all operate AACSB accredited business schools. (Of these, Duke University offers a distance-learning, low-residency MBA.)

    Among academics and corporate headhunters, the AACSB is considered the gold standard of business school accreditation.

    Only about 30 percent of business schools in the USA carry AACSB accreditation.

    Who Needs the AACSB?

    If your career goal is to become faculty at a business school, definitely consider an AACSB-accredited MBA or business degree. Outside of academia, this specialized accreditation is less crucial—unless you intend to compete at the executive level, especially in the Fortune 500 arena.

    Recently, Intel Corporation made news by announcing that its corporate tuition program will only reimburse for business degrees earned at AACSB-accredited degree programs, regardless of whether the degree is delivered face-to-face or online.

    A business degree or MBA emblazoned with the AACSB brand will be extremely valuable in opening doors in any competitive corporate environment.

    AACSB Business School Accreditation? Optional.

    Universities do not need AACSB business school accreditation to offer the MBA or any other advanced business program, whether online or on-campus.

    AACSB approval is not an absolute guarantee of quality. In fact, if an online business school has not pledged to follow AACSB standards it may gain the ability to offer a more innovative program of study.

    Forgo AACSB – Save a Bundle
    (Source: Get Educated.com)