Our past feature interviews with the faculty at Be’er Hagolah has left us with an immense appreciation for their outstanding work. The way they combine Jewish education and a high standard secular academics in a safe and caring environment is awe inspiring.
In our effort to educate our readers before the start of a new school year, we present our last educational interview with both of the Principals from the Girls’ High School Division, Mrs. Tzipporah Hollander, Judaic Studies principal and Mrs. Shaindy Taub, Secular Studies principal.
Q: Can you tell us about your past and present position at Be’er Hagolah?
A: Mrs Hollander: My career at Be’er Hagolah began over 34 years ago. Initially, my involvement with BHI was as a language arts teacher for grades 7-12 until I became assistant principal for the Judaic department. A year later I was asked to take on the role of principal of the Judaic studies department for grades 1-12. Eventually, in order to maximize our dedication towards developing educational excellence with programs that stimulate the spiritual growth of our students, we divided the girl’s classes so that presently I oversee grades 6-12.
Q: Mrs Taub, how long have you been at Be’er Hagolah?
A: Mrs Taub: I’ve been at Be’er Hagolah for 35 years, first serving as a high school math teacher. I then took on the position of assistant principal to Rebbetzin Leya German A”H. I must pause for a moment to write what an honor it was for me to learn from and work with this most incredible woman. Anyone who came into contact with Rebbetzin German knew that they were witnessing greatness. Her students revered her and loved her. She was a master educator. She taught by example. We all learned how to have compassion for and bring out the best in every child. When she passed away our grief knew no bounds. I then took on the role of principal.
Prior to my tenure at Be’er Hagolah, I worked as a statistical researcher at Baruch College while I pursued my masters.
Q: Mrs Hollander, What was your educational background?
A: Mrs Hollander: I was educated in one of the oldest and most prominent day schools in America located in Cleveland, Ohio. Thereafter, I graduated with a Hebrew teacher’s diploma and license from Jerusalem College for Women in Israel. I received my BA from Brooklyn College and my masters from Fordham University. I have a number of pre doctoral credits from Harvard University in leadership and supervision. I am a certified Jewish Family Educator from the BJE in conjunction with Fordham University. Those skills were used for family event and program coordination for Avi Chai. My professional career over the years has been in the field of education and supervision as well as lecturing in various institutions for staff development. Education is my passion and children of all ages are my love!
Q: How would you compare the education at Be’er Hagolah to the education one would receive in public school?
A: Mrs Taub: Firstly, we are a State accredited school. We follow the State standards, we are aligned with the Common Core curriculum, State Regents exams and college prep. Secondly, and more importantly any student who enters our school receives individualized attention. Each teacher knows every child and is available at all times in and out of school. Whether in the Hebrew or English department. Parents can be sure that their children are in a safe environment under the care of professional teachers, with classmates who share the same background and values.
Q: What are some highlights of the Be’er Hagolah’s Junior High School and High School experience?
A: Mrs Hollander:
CURRICULUM: In the morning hours our students become proficient in reading, writing and speaking the Hebrew language, as well as an understanding of Torah text. They become knowledgeable of Jewish law, holidays and the history of the Jewish people. We are extremely experiential in disseminating Judaic knowledge via modalities such as drama, song, festivals, projects, cooperative learning groups, etc. Our goal is to achieve Judaic insights and familiarity with our culture and heritage.
STAFF: Our teachers are ideal role models exemplifying the character traits we wish to instill in our students. They are role models guiding, mentoring and educating with warmth and understanding. They have an amazing vision to evaluate and implement those strategies customized for each and every student in order to achieve success in fulfilling their individual needs Their efforts are designed to insure long term growth that envisions beautiful, sophisticated Jewish princesses having one day their own families and careers that will be a blessing to their parents and the Jewish nation.
EXTRACURRICULAR: Dance, music, art -- developing the talents of each girl at our holiday and monthly Rosh Chodesh celebrations and other events is an important feature of our state of the art school. Cultural and social trips and retreats foster long lasting friendships and experiences that are memories for a lifetime.
Q: How do you help students with transitioning out of high school?
A: Mrs Taub: We have a multi-faceted career and college prep program. The program includes an entire curriculum designed to help students understand how college works, so that they can make the most informed decisions. Students have the opportunity to interview various professional regarding their careers, and to be connect with mentors in the fields of their choice. They also have the opportunity to visit colleges. Our college and career counselor spend as much time as necessary with each student individually, to help her explore her options based on her own personal interests and strengths. Many of our graduates have told us how grateful they are for the preparation they received. They say their college classmates are envious, wishing they too had been so well informed and well prepared.
Q: What do you love most about working in Be’er Hagolah?
A: Mrs Hollander: Greeting each student every day and seeing their faces glow with smiles is an inspiration for me every morning. The happy social and fun loving environment, coupled with serious learning is a daily happening in each classroom which can be characterized as an awesome miracle of Be’er Hagolah.
Working with extraordinary colleagues; from the very beginning at Be’er Hagolah with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Avner German A”H, who exemplified giving to children their heart and soul and now with the Dean, Rabbi Mordechai German and the other principals and teachers makes working at Be’er Hagolah more than a job but a second home with a special family having the same vision and dedication.
Occasionally meeting BHI alumni who tell me that they have such fond and wonderful memories of their beautiful years spent at BHI, is a high for me. They may today be a doctor, a lawyer, a therapist, a nurse, an accountant or whatever, but they still think of their alma mater. Many tell me they have remained connected with a teacher whom today they call their friend. What greater joy can one attain having impacted people’s lives in such meaningful and wonderful ways.
Q: What would consider to be a successful Be’er Hagolah graduate?
A: Mrs Taub: I find it very easy to answer this question because I continually see with my own eyes the Be’er Hagolah graduates who have grown into outstanding young women. They are successful in their chosen careers. We can be proud of our graduates who have become doctors, lawyer, teachers, therapists, pharmacist etc. On a personal note I might add that there is nothing like a Be’er Hagolah wedding.
Above all, it is wonderful to see how proud they are of their traditions and how much they respect their heritage.
Interviewing Be’er Hagolah’s Princi.pals of the Girls’ High School Division, Mrs. Tzipporah Hollander and Mrs Shaindy Taub
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