When we welcomed our nearly 200 teachers to school on Monday, Scheck Hillel’s campus immediately ignited with excitement, energy and….. LION PRIDE! This enthusiasm continued throughout the week, as faculty participated in professional development and got busy preparing for what is sure to be a most incredible year.
The week was dedicated to teambuilding, as we got to know our nearly 40 new faculty members-and learned quite a bit about long-timers, too! Infusing general and Judaic studies, technology, arts and service learning with traditional Torah values, all of our teachers participated in valuable sessions.
“Technology was a major theme,” said Dr. Helen Chaset, Director of Professional Development. “It really felt like learning had started even before the first students arrived on campus.”
Teachers explored ‘Google for Education: Google Tools’ videos and then passed certification exams from their home computers or in their classrooms. In addition, faculty updated their use of ClassPages, our learning management system, Backpack, our attendance/grading system, and PlanBook, digital collaborative lesson planning program. There also was plenty of time for classroom setup, bulletin board decorating, and getting everything else ready for YOU!
A schoolwide challah-baking event in honor of the IDF was the perfect way to wrap up the week. Faculty and staff sang songs, kneaded challah dough, and prayed for a Refuah Shlema and Mi Sheberach for the IDF and our Israeli brothers and sisters. The event was a true testament to our teachers’ commitment to inspiring a love of learning and promoting our Scheck Hillel mission and core values.
