Adina Nyman describes inspiring students to connect, and how a BA (Hons) at LSJS is helping her qualify as a teacher alongside some fairly challenging circumstances.
I jumped straight into teaching without formal training, simply because I loved it and thrived in the classroom environment. However, I soon realised that if I wanted to build a long-term, professional career in education, I needed the right tools and qualifications. That’s when I decided to train properly. I had left sixth form early to pursue an apprenticeship with the Greater Manchester Police Force, so I didn’t complete A-levels. Later, when I returned from seminary and got married, I needed to find a path that would allow me to learn while also supporting my family. Not that unqualified teachers can’t be amazing, but for me, having structure and understanding how to teach effectively was really important.
My husband had completed a teacher training course with LSJS the year before, and he encouraged me to look into it. In the end, LSJS’s BA degree course turned out to be exactly what I needed - allowing me to study in a Jewish environment, tailored specifically to Jewish education, with flexibility for people balancing multiple responsibilities.
"I don’t think there’s anything else quite like it in the UK."
LSJS were so accommodating of a crazy amount of life events during my degree. They allowed me to take maternity leave early as I was expecting twins, pausing my fees while I wasn’t studying. At a time when my childcare plans needed to change, they accommodated me with online options and class recordings. When I needed to move house in the middle of my training, LSJS not only extended my essay deadlines but were so understanding about it, treating me as a valued student and not as a problem to be dealt with. They advocated for me with Middlesex University all along (they accredit the degree) and ensured that I would come out with the qualifications I deserved. They’re even accommodating my upcoming move to Manchester with the ability to continue my studies remotely! After my degree, LSJS offers a few pathways to qualifying as a teacher, and I’m confident that they’ll help me choose the best one for me.
I realised I was going to be a teacher after my year in seminary in Israel, when I became a seminary madricha. That role pushed me to learn with other girls and prepare and deliver Torah content, and I found the experience so energising.
"It was incredibly fulfilling to share knowledge and see it spark something in others."
I knew then that I wanted to pursue a career in teaching, and thank G-d, with the help of LSJS, I was able to turn that passion into a reality.
I’ve taught in several schools and across a range of subjects. I began teaching Jewish Studies at a high school in Manchester. After getting married and moving to London, I transitioned into teaching secular studies to Year 5 boys in Edgware. Currently, I’m teaching Jewish Studies at a Jewish primary School in North London, but this summer I’ll be moving back to Manchester and returning to the same high school I started at, to teach a combination of Jewish and secular studies.
From lesson planning and classroom management to understanding different learning styles, my training at LSJS gave me a solid foundation. It wasn’t just theoretical—it was hands-on and practical, rooted in the unique needs of Jewish schools. Even now, I constantly draw on what I learned to improve my teaching and connect more deeply with my students
My goal is to inspire students not just to learn, but to love learning. Whether it’s Jewish or general studies, I want to give my students the tools to think critically, grow in confidence, and feel proud of who they are. Especially in Jewish education, it’s about building connection—to their heritage, their community, and to Hashem.
Right now, I teach in a school where many of the students don’t come from religious homes, so sometimes I’m not sure how much they’re taking in or connecting with what we learn. But after one particular lesson about Shabbat, a student came up to me and said,
“I asked my mum if we could light candles this Friday—it just sounded so nice.”
It reminded me that even small seeds can take root, and our impact can go far beyond the classroom.
To aspiring teachers who are studying now, I would say, “Don’t underestimate the power of a passionate, dedicated teacher. If you feel drawn to teaching, explore it! There’s no “perfect” path—you can start small and grow. And remember, you’re not just teaching a subject; you’re shaping lives. Be open to learning from every experience, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance along the way.”
For more information about the BA (Hons) in Jewish Education, or about the Assessment Only, Schools Direct or SCITT routes to QTS, visit lsjs.ac.uk/teach.
