HAFTR hosts ‘day of learning’ for 1,000 educators for conference

Close to 1,100 educators from over 45 Jewish day schools participated in the Jewish Education Project’s 39th annual Yeshiva Day School Day of Learning, at HAFTR in Lawrence on Nov. 18. Workshop topics ranged from effective teaching and leadership to the latest instructional models and materials in areas of Judaic and general studies education.

The event featured keynote speaker Shimon Waronker, dean of the Jewish Academy in Commack and CEO of the New American Initiative, an organization that’s spreading an innovative educational model. Waronker addressed the crowd on utilizing humility, empathy and courage to create successful educational environments.

“Watching 1,000 Jewish educators learn from one another in pursuit of academic excellence is nothing short of inspirational,” explained Rabbi Dr. Martin Schloss, director, day schools and yeshivot, at the Jewish Education Project. Sessions for educators covered both larger issues and practical challenges.

“I have already implemented ideas I received on improving parent-teachers conferences and am working with my staff on using ethics in our communication,” said Chana Uzhansky, principal of Staten Island Hebrew Academy.

The Jewish Education Project offers day schools and yeshivot many opportunities for professional development, networking and connections to government resources.

“This is one of the many ways we work to ensure that the more than 300 day schools in New York achieve academic excellence and financial sustainability,” said Jewish Education Project CEO Robert Sherman.

The Jewish Education Project is a beneficiary agency of UJA-Federation of New York.