The Impact of Values-based Curriculum
Author: Joey Eisman
Values drive our everyday behaviors. Who do I welcome into my life? How do I manage my time? Why do I decide to keep the door open for a person behind me? The answers to these questions epitomize our values.
As an abstract concept, values seem negligible and sometimes in tension. However, examination and exploration of our values clarifies our priorities and enhances our internal drive. For example, if we identify that empathy is a skill that we value, we may begin to embody concern for others, or become more attentive listeners.
From over a decade experience running educational programs around the world, I know first-hand the power of values for personal and societal growth. Values-based education supports identity development, and social and emotional well-being.
I Am, We Are’s values-based curriculum centers on four principles, which branch out to 12 skills-based values. The principles – personal consciousness, social responsibility, global awareness, entrepreneurial mindset – guide the type of development we aim for all youth and adult community members. This intentional scheme allows us to first build inner confidence and competence, which supports communal development and encourage agency in our youth participants.
In my second year with I Am, We Are, I am excited to continue to elevate the curriculum of both camp and leadership programming. My aim is to draw from my professional and educational domains to infuse I Am, We Are’s curriculum with evidence-based practices that will benefit our youth participants for years to come.
About Joey Eisman
Joey Eisman is a professional experiential educator, educational consultant, and researcher. Eisman is currently a doctoral student studying educational psychology at Temple University. He holds an M.A. from Teachers College, Columbia University, a B.S. from University of Michigan, and a certificate in experiential education from M2.
Eisman has worked around the world, most recently for BBYO, managing their global expansion strategy, reaching Jewish teens in over 40 countries. He also served as a JDC Entwine Jewish Service Corps Fellow in parts of Eastern Europe. He has also consulted for organizations like Birthright Foundation and Educating For Impact.
Eisman is deeply interested in empathy, identity, emotions, motivation, social and emotional learning (SEL), and creativity. He specializes in immersive program travel, leading educational travel-based experiences on five continents.