While the hottest days of summer rage on, there’s a group of people whose minds are busy with all things back-to-school. They are unsung heroes of Jewish education all over the world—Chabad Hebrew School directors.
When Mrs. Baila Goodman, director of Aleph Academy in Long Beach, NY gets the year started, one thing she is always concerned with is her staff. “Boruch Hashem, we always choose the most talented and energetic teachers,” she says. “But that doesn’t take away from the fact that many of them are fresh out of seminary and might not have the experience needed to handle everything a Hebrew School class needs.”
Goodman wishes she had more time to spend training her teachers. “Every year I tell myself I’m going to do extra professional development, but once the school year starts I’m lucky if I even have time for more than a quick discussion before class each week.”
Most Hebrew School teachers arrive at their task with lots of informal teaching experience. But what if there was a way to hone these innate skills? What if a Hebrew School director could ensure that all of the teachers they hire are up to the task?
This fall, a new training program will give all teachers a unique opportunity—to get schooled on all things Hebrew School. Taught by Miss. Chaya Zirkind, Hebrew School Director at CKids, the training promises to be both rich with content and engaging in presentation.
“We wanted to give every teacher a chance to brush up on their skills,” says Rabbi Zalmy Loewenthal, director of CKids. As the educational backbone of Chabad Hebrew Schools around the world, Rabbi Loewenthal feels responsible for the academic quality received by thousands of kids worldwide.
The training program offered by CKids will empower teachers with an orientation exploring best practices for classroom management presented by behavioral experts. A weekly Zoom meeting will go over goals, objectives, and activities of the CKids curriculum, ensuring that the lesson comes across with the maximum impact intended. Finally, a virtual community will offer real-time support and collaboration for every Hebrew school teacher—a valuable networking opportunity via interactive Whatsapp group.
“The strength of our Hebrew School curriculum will always depend on our teachers,” says Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302. “We know how hard our teachers work, and we want every teacher to feel supported at all times.”
To register or find out more info, visit shluchim.CKids.net/teachers
