YU brings Masters class to Long Island

They work, raise families, and still want a master’s degree in Jewish education. Starting in September, teachers from seven local schools could have it all without the lengthy commute and tuition, as they enroll in Yeshiva University’s new School Partnership Master’s Program. “I have a family with kids and this is a convenience. It’s every Monday night for four hours,” said Woodmere resident Estee Lightstone, who teaches seventh graders at HANC.

The 16 participants were nominated by their schools to study in the program, which lasts five semesters. Tuition has been arranged through a Jim Joseph Foundation grant, which promotes innovative programs in Jewish education. Instead of a commute to Manhattan, the teachers will meet in one of their respective schools, sharing ideas on teaching methods. “We are committed to Jewish educators learning new techniques, expecting as much growth in halacha, Talmud and chumash is in general subjects such as social studies and math,” said Dr. David Schnall, the dean of YU’s Azrieli Graduate School.

“Quality Jewish education has to be supported by Torah values and this is what Yeshiva University stands for,” said HAFTR kindergarten teacher Aleeza Lauer. Her colleague David Schwab, who teaches fourth grade, has been in the field for 18 years, but said that the program helps him meet learn new approaches to teaching. “It’s always good to get more knowledge and I could not pass this by,” Schwab said.

The group spans the range from kindergarten to Rabbi Yossi Bennet, who serves as the 12th grade rebbe at Mesivta Ateres Yaakov. “A degree from Azrieli will open many new doors for me in the field, both in the education and administration areas, in addition to educating, equipping and preparing me for new challenges to come,” Rabbi Bennett said. Other local participating schools include HANC, Yeshiva Darchei Torah, Yeshiva of South Shore, Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island and Torah Academy for Girls.

Each participant will be observed and supervised in a classroom setting while teaching. They will also take classes on differentiated instruction. “We want our graduates to be aware of student differences and the various types of learning, and how to respond to and accommodate a mix of students,” said Dr. Jeffrey Glanz, director of the master’s program at Azrieli.

The program is a pilot for YU, which seeks to expand it to other schools in the New York metro area. “It crosses various shades of Orthodoxy and this is an important contribution,” Dr. Schnall said.