Chaptzem Blog!      

As a candidate in the May 15 Board of Education of the East Ramapo School District election, I would like to introduce myself. I was born and raised in the village of Spring Valley and am a graduate of a yeshiva in the East Ramapo School District. After obtaining my master’s degree in education and my New York State certification in teaching students with disabilities, I began my teaching journey. Over the years, I have taught English and mathematics, both in public and private schools, and have taught in general and special education classrooms.

Recently, I have furthered my education with a master’s in school building leadership and a New York State certification in school leadership. I am employed in a public school serving students with disabilities and am directly involved with designing and implementing curricula in all subject areas, as well as vocational and career readiness programs. I have coordinated state assessments, and have worked with federal grants as the director of a large Title I Program.

I believe that my unique experience in public education, as well as my work in private schools, puts me at a great advantage when it comes to understanding our diverse district.

There has been significant debate about the quality of education in the yeshiva community. I believe that many of the private schools can, and should, enhance their level of instruction for greater student achievement. I also believe that many of the public schools, can and should, enhance their level of instruction for greater student achievement. We need to work on improving education and creating educational opportunities for all children so that they can be productive members of society, while also maintaining their own culture and values.

My opposing candidate, Miriam Moster, surmises in a May 11 Community View that as someone "hailing" from the Jewish community she would be representative of their needs. Yet, her solutions demonstrate a lack of understanding of the true issues and are an oversimplification to a very complex problem. Genuine change requires working with (not against) Hasidic schools, or “their leaders.”

Over the years, I have been involved, as a consultant and a board member, in various Hasidic yeshivas, and can attest to the fact that much time and effort has been spent on trying to come up with creative ways in making educational improvements — way before YAFFED was in existence. I have visited classrooms, tested students, and made curriculum adjustments and recommendations which have yielded real results. As a bilingually certified teacher, I taught classes in English for hundreds of Hasidic adults. I have listened to teachers and parents, heard their frustrations, and delivered professional development in curriculum, program methods and best practices. I have an excellent track record of effecting change without threats and attacking statements. Positive change requires positive action.  And that can only occur when there is trust and mutual respect.

https://www.lohud.com/story/opinion/contributors/2018/05/11/work-hasidic-yeshivas-toward-change-east-ramapo-candidate-says/602853002/