Frequently asked questions

Kinyan is a 501(c)(3) standards institute for master teaching in yeshivos and Jewish day schools. We define the standard for master teaching, assess teachers against it through live classroom observation, develop educators toward it through the Master Teacher Initiative, and publicly celebrate the teachers who meet it.

Kinyan (קנין) means acquisition. Pirkei Avos teaches that Torah is acquired through forty-eight kinyanim. A master teacher is one whose students acquire their learning — permanently.

Live classroom observation scored against the Master Teacher Skills Assessment (MTSA), an instrument built by credentialed experts that covers four domains: Interpersonal Dynamics, Classroom Procedures, Relational Approach to Discipline, and Instruction.

No. The Audit identifies and celebrates excellence. Findings are shared constructively and privately with the school; only recognition is public.

Dr. Rebecca Eliason, Psy.D., M.S., Sarah Chana Radcliffe, M.Ed., C.Psych., and Rabbi Jonathan Rietti, M.Ed. It is endorsed by HaGaon HaRav Asher Weiss, shlita, and Dr. David Pelcovitz, Ph.D.

Authenticity in Relationships, Command of the Classroom, Mastery of the Curriculum, Depth of Engagement, and Passion for the Subject.

A school nominates the teacher; Kinyan observes live classes; the observation is scored against the MTSA; teachers who meet the Standard are recognized publicly.

Nominations currently come through school leadership. Teachers who wish to be considered should speak with their principal.

Nomination and observation are provided at no cost to the school.

Tell your school. Nominations come through school leadership, so the most effective step a parent can take is to mention Kinyan to the principal or administration. You can also write to us — we would be glad to help you start the conversation.

Independent confirmation of teaching quality, against a published standard. A Kinyan Master Teacher has been observed teaching live, in their own classroom, and has met the Standard item by item.

Kinyan’s development arm — observation-based feedback and coaching that helps excellent teachers grow toward the Kinyan Standard.

Yes. Kinyan’s primary work today is its teacher division — the Standards, the Master Teacher Audit, and the Master Teacher Initiative. Its second division, Kinyan Academy, an online Torah academy for students, is in development.

Kinyan Academy is an online, skills-based Torah academy in development, modeled after Khan Academy, where a student can acquire every skill of independent Torah learning — from aleph-beis and reading through Chumash, Mishna, and Gemara. It has no launch date yet; a waitlist is open on the Kinyan Academy page.

Yes. Kinyan is operated by Kinyan Academy Corp, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.