Thanks to MASK and Hidden Sparks, Bais Rivkah teachers participated in an intensive professional development day with experts in the field of education.
“It’s very clear that a lot of thought, hard work and research was put in to make the day as impactful as possible. It’s exactly these types of days that lead to good change!”
That was the feedback from Bais Rivkah’s professional development day for teachers from preschool through 8th grade, where participants heard from experts in many fields related to the classroom.
Teachers were greeted with a welcome package and a personalized schedule included in their welcome bags.
The day began for teachers in grades 1A through 8 with a general session featuring Mrs. Mindy Rosenthal, MS-BCBA, who delivered a dynamic session on executive function and minimizing interruptions. Her entertaining, informative presentation set the tone for the day.
Two workshop sessions followed, in which teachers were assigned to speakers best suited to their age group. All speakers were professionals in their field and provided teachers with valuable tools to help each student do their best in the classroom.
Mrs. Deanna Stecker, MS gave a presentation on differentiated instruction.
Mrs. Chaya Guttman, LCSW taught ways to create a calm, healthy atmosphere in the classroom atmosphere and help ADHD students.
Mrs. Peri Hecht, MS, MLP presented on language processing in the classroom
Mrs. Adina Broder, MS, JD, demonstrated active learning strategies and classroom management
Mrs. Rivky Wolf, MS Ed, demonstrated ways to help each student master Kirah
Simultaneously, the preschool department had a training session with Dr. Fraida Flaishman, Ph.D. O.T.R. Dr. Flaishman taught emotional regulation strategies and introduced the concept of the “relaxation box.” Students should be given something soft, something to squeeze, something to pull, and something to blow on. Dr. Flaishman provided lesson plans and demonstrated how the children should practice these techniques in advance, while calm.
The preschool teachers then heard from Mrs. Mindy Rosenthal, MS-BCBA. She gave tips on how to help children calm down by introducing them to a sensory experience that uses their five senses.
Workshops were followed by a classy, elegant lunch for all departments. Mrs. Chanie Krasnianski, shlucha and director of Chabad of the Upper East Side Preschool, addressed the teachers. Mrs. Krasnianski explored the importance of Hakhel in the context of education.
The teachers left with inspiration, purpose and an array of tools to try in the classroom.
The effects of this day are already felt.
“I’ve already implemented a few ideas. Some were discussed, directly spoken about, others were fed from inspiration.”
“It was absolutely incredible. I gained a lot of knowledge as well as super-practical and easy-to-implement tips.”
“Just being there surrounded by hundreds of like-minded individuals, in chinuch to do the Rebbe’s work and change the world one student at a time, was energizing and inspirational.”
“It was nice to zoom out and see a bigger picture of how our students are educated. That every day we are molding young minds that are still being formed and that we are in a unique position to help each child reach their potential.”
This day was made possible by MASK and HiddenSparks. We thank them for their commitment to education and our students’ mental health.
