HAFTR cultivates a ‘professional learning community’

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Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway principals and teachers joined together for a professional development course at the Sephardic Temple on Aug. 29, in preparation for the 2018-2019 school year.

Division principals, Cyndy Goldberg (early childhood), Joy Hammer (lower school), Tova Zucker (lower school assistant principal) and Joshua Gold (middle school) and led the discussions. Staff members were divided into small groups to discuss various methods and opportunities to enhance the students’ educational experiences both in and out of the classroom. HAFTR Executive Director Ari Solomon and Board President Yaron Kornblum were also in attendance.

“Engaging in relevant and practical learning opportunities as a whole staff is a tremendous way for our HAFTR school community to develop a shared language and shared understanding around our goals,” Gold said.
He noted that the focus this school year is “Listening with Empathy and Understanding,” based on the “Habits of Mind” research conducted by Arthur Kosta and Bena Kallick.

“We are so excited to continue to cultivate our professional learning community in the service of supporting student growth and teacher development,” Gold said.