EDGE addresses a growing challenge in our community school system.

There has been a decline in the pursuit of teaching careers within our community, which is driving an unparalleled teacher shortage. EDGE is designed to reverse this trend, preparing community members to not only gain expertise in the subject they want to teach (math, science, history, or English), but to also become excellent licensed educators through a multi-pronged 3-year program:

Year 1 – EDGE Foundations

• Take subject matter coursework necessary for Illinois licensure
• Substitute teaching approximately 6 hours per week
• Full-time employment with a $40,000 salary and benefits (part-time options available for partial credit holders)

Years 2 & 3 Core EDGE Program

• Cutting-edge coursework in the latest education methodologies
• Internship teaching with up to 3 courses in your domain
• Full-time employment with a $45,000 and then $50,000 salary and benefits

Not only will this approach help alleviate the teacher shortage, EDGE will increase the number of highly-qualified and ISBE licensed educators in middle schools, high schools, and yeshivas to help raise the standard of education and professionalism in our schools.

EDGE Mission 

Empowering aspiring Jewish school educators to become licensed math, science, history, or English teachers, in middle school, high school, or yeshiva, through coursework in educational methodologies, mentored classroom teaching experience, and a full-time salary. 

About Walder Science

Founded by Dr. Joseph and Elizabeth Walder in 2000, Walder Science is committed to providing educational science enrichment through the prism of Jewish values. For two decades, Walder Science has enriched the lives of children and adults in the Chicago area with innovative opportunities to explore, research and interact with a variety of scientific disciplines.