Be’er Hagolah services many different divisions. From UPK, going on to Elementary, Middle and High School with boys and girls in separate divisions.
In our quest to further convey to our community the excellent education that Be’er Hagolah has to offer, we took the opportunity to interview another principal at Be’er Hagolah.
What is your position at Be’er Hagolah Institutes?
I am honored to be the Elementary school General Studies Principal. I have been with the school for many years in both the capacity of administrator and previously as a teacher.
Ms. Zucker has a Master’s in Education as well as a Master’s in Educational Leadership. Ms. Zucker has New York State Certification as a School Building Leader.
What are your daily functions in your role as Elementary School General Studies principal?
My day-to-day is filled with myriad tasks to ensure for both the short-term and long-term functioning of the students and their families. We seek to ensure that the students’ day-to-day needs will be met, but our eyes are always on the bigger picture. Hence, each need and concern of each teacher, student, and parent needs to be attended to. Each moment and each day of our students’ lives is viewed as a step into their future. A future, which we intend to affect, participate in, and be proud of!
How would you describe your basic philosophy as an educator?
My philosophy as an educator is to enable each of the constituents we serve know, believe, and feel that he/she is a dignified human being. A human being that we believe in, a human being that we have hopes and dreams for, and a human being that we will stand by no matter what it takes for him/her to reach his/her potential. No step is too small and no challenge is too great to mold and cultivate the innate potential of each individual. To that end I combine my years of experience, training, and outstanding staff to provide an education that will mold students who are and will continue to effect the growth of society and the continuity of the Jewish People.
How does the staff balance the needs of each student and what tasks are viewed as a priority?
Our Elementary School staff is trained to serve the needs of each student academically and socially. We aim to ensure that our students’ daily experiences will be filled with an outstanding education, compassion and concern. Therefore, meeting every child’s needs is paramount. Every day must begin and must end with learning, joy, and memorable moments.
What do you look for in a potential teacher?
The ideal teacher is someone who is an educated, highly trained individual, who continually reflects on his/her practice. He/she is passionate about education, and understands that they are representing an image of success for their students. We look for patient and caring individuals who seek to inspire their students with a desire to learn and grow. Be’er Hagolah focuses on the academic capacity of each student, but maintains a strong emphasis on character development. Our teachers work hard to model the highest standards for their students.
How is the curriculum developed in your school?
Be’er Hagolah maintains high standards in academic excellence. We have developed our curriculum and materials to be modeled and meet the New York State Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS). To that end Be’er Hagolah, uses the most current materials and equipment in the classrooms. Our curriculum combines an outstanding secular studies education and Judaic Studies programs.
We combine all of the academic disciplines and are continually adapting to meet the needs of the curriculum and students. Our classrooms all maintain a balanced literacy environment, developed with the philosophy of Fountas and Pinnel ™. This provides a rich and rigorous model for literacy, which enables our students to navigate all of their subject matter and reach their academic goals.
A well rounded education is provided including, physical education, computer classes, art, lab, and a multitude of hands-on learning experiences.
We continually explore, innovate, and consult with professionals across the city to ensure for the maximum success of our students.
How do you ensure that your teachers maintain the level of academic excellence you aim to provide?
All staff members are provided with regular and rigorous professional development. Our department requires our teachers to be not only innovators, but growth oriented individuals. We believe that maintaining best practices and continually perfecting our model provides an optimal level
of academics.How would you compare the education at Be’er Hagolah to the education one would receive in a public
school?When a child enrolls in Be’er Hagolah Institutes, they are guaranteed to flourish in all areas of their lives. We place great emphasis on bringing out the individuality and unique strengths within each student, whereas in public schools many students go completely unnoticed. Our faculty believes that every child deserves to feel respected and heard. We offer academic enrichment as well as support services.
Students tend to leave public school without developing any true values. Our students receive a warm, nurturing environment at Be’er Hagolah coupled with a strong secular education. Every student and their families are treated as individuals whose needs and future are valued and nourished.
Most importantly, we provide and enable our students to gain greater knowledgeable about our traditions and the traditions of their individual communities. Our students are given the important tools they need to maintain our sense of purpose and identity, while maintaining their career goals.
What are some extra-curricular activities that happen at BHI?
Our students are given a vast array of extra-curricular activities including cultural and holiday programs, trips, and events. We also feature character development programs to allow our students to develop as strong individuals with outstanding academics and character. This year our students have been learning and growing with “The 7 Habits Model”. A program we developed at our school based upon the work of Sean Covey in “The 7 Habits of Happy Kids”. A program modeled after the world renowned author (his father) Steve Covey (The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People). We are certain that our students will take these important characteristics and incorporate intro their present and future lives. We look forward to watching them as they grow in Torah, yirat shamayim (fear of heaven) and academics and be proud members of their
communities.What would you consider to be a successful Be’er Hagolah graduate?
A successful graduate embodies the values and the vision of Be’er Hagolah. A vision for a future combining the G-d given tools we each possess, and utilizing those tools to build a future and better the world around them.
How do you rate the success of your graduates?
I am fortunate to be with Be’er Hagolah for many years. I can unequivocally say, that I am proud of every graduate I meet. We have thousands of students serving across the Unites States and in every field imaginable. Our students have chosen professions such as doctors, lawyers, therapists, teachers, contractors, business, and the human service fields. Most importantly our graduates are proud members of their communities, are a pride to the Jewish nation. Our true success is the beautiful lives and futures we are building here on a daily basis. I am honored to be part of Be’er Hagolah Institutes and the role we play in the community, and the continuity of the Jewish people.
Interview with Miss Zucker from Be’er Hagolah
Typography
- Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
- Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times
- Reading Mode
