Part II
Chinuch is always a top priority of the chareidi
community. As such we are happy to present this report of a
recent meeting of senior British educators discussing the
problems that all face along with some solutions.
In the first part we discussed the meeting held by the
Association of Headteachers of Orthodox Jewish Schools at
the Normandie Hotel in Bournemouth. Sixty participants,
representing 12,000 of the approximately 15,000
schoolchildren studying at Jewish schools in Britain,
gathered together.
Last week we reported on talks given about: Appraisal of
Kodesh Teachers, Behavior Management, Brain Trust, GCSEs,
Motivation. In this final installment we report the other
talks that were given.
Teaching of Nach
Mr. D. Jacobson delivered a wide ranging lecture on the
subject of teaching Nach. He demonstrated how
teaching Nach is an excellent springboard for
implanting middos, yiras Shomayim and correct
hashkofo.
In addition, the formal teaching of Nach increases
knowledge of early Jewish History, improves the
understanding of the background to tefillah, provides
an insight into yedias ho'oretz, and by studying the
haftorah text one can show the relationship between
parshas hashovua and the haftorah.
It is however vital, warned Mr. Jacobson, that it is taught
strictly according to Chazal to avoid incorrect attitudes
towards a number of problem areas. These areas include
controversial personalities, wars, idol worship, etc.
Delegates were shown seforim and workbooks --
selected from the wide range that is currently available --
which have proved to be excellent teaching aids.
Improving the Standard of Reading
Reb Yankel Moscowitz held the audience spellbound as he
delved into the source of reading problems experienced by,
for example, 7-8 year old pupils who had been reading
fluently two years earlier. He opined that this was due to
skim-reading during Chumash and other lessons, rather
than insistence on the correct reading of each syllable.
(Skim-reading means that only the first few words of a line
or posuk are read syllable by syllable, while the
pupils says the rest either from memory or by assuming that
he's saying it correctly rather than checking each
syllable.) Indeed most people skim-read from time to time
when reading a book or a newspaper.
The solution, he felt, was for every school to set aside
fifteen minutes a day in all primary classes solely for
reading practice. Second, pupils should be shown how every
letter counts, and how the mistaken reading of a single
letter can alter the translation of a word.
Also Mr. Moscowitz advocated that schools should jointly
finance the expenses of engaging an acknowledged expert on
the subject of keriah to demonstrate his techniques
to all Headteachers and Rebbes.
Raising the Profile of a Rebbe
Rabbi D. Kestenbaum drew on his experiences as a rebbe in
Lakewood for many years, and as a lecturer to rebbes on how
to teach gemora, to lead a session entitled, "Raising
the Profile of a Rebbe."
With the aid of pre-printed material, he explained that the
role of an ideal rebbe is not just to impart information,
but also to direct a pupil's development in all its
facets.
Apart from presenting Headteachers with a wealth of ideas to
pass on to their Rebbes, he also advised Headteachers to
encourage Rebbes to broaden their horizons by undertaking
challenging programs. Furthermore it is up to Headteachers
to encourage governing bodies and parents to show
appreciation to all Rebbes.
One lesson that we can learn from America, he said, is the
importance of arranging a Conference of Rebbes (and their
families) similar to that arranged for Headteachers.
Another idea floated by Rabbi Kestenbaum (quoting HaRav
Avrohom Gurwicz, rosh yeshivas Gateshead) was for schools to
set up afternoon kollelim for their
rebbeim.
Streaming Classes
Rabbi N. Lieberman led a session discussing the thorny issue
of how best to stream large classes. Whilst acknowledging
that each school had to make their own decision based on
their particular situation, he explained why his school (a
senior boys' school) streamed according to ability.
The discussion included the importance of instilling self-
confidence in pupils, of motivating all pupils, of mixing
with a suitable chevrah, of avoiding feelings of
stigma, and of how to prevent conflict with parents. It was
also stressed that both sections of the class require
qualified and dedicated teachers who relate well with the
pupils.
Many delegates then participated in the ensuing questions
and answers. One delegate questioned whether the time has
come to have different schools providing for the various
academic standards similar to the varying standards of
yeshivos. Another raised the point whether some schools are
demanding too much from their pupils by commencing GCSE work
in the bar mitzvah class.
The main focus of the deliberations demonstrated each and
every Headteacher's desire to cater for both the education
and emotional needs of each category of pupil, the weaker,
the average and the brighter one.
Teacher Training, Recruitment and Retention
Although there was no session to deal specifically with
teacher-training, recruitment and retention, it was however
a topic which was discussed on several occasions
(particularly at the AGM) and at fringe sessions.
Teacher training was discussed to various levels. It was
noted with satisfaction that Dayan Ehrentreu's kollel
is slated to open later this year. The kollel has
already attracted serious yungerleit from a variety
of backgrounds who intend devoting their future to
chinuch and/or rabbonus. These yungerleit will
be given specialized teacher training, and will be involved
in the mentoring system, under the guidance of Rabbi M.
Kampf. In the first instance it is envisaged that these
yungerleit will become mechanchim in Senior
schools and that he recruitment will eventually filter
through to all schools. Appreciation was expressed to Mr.
Danny Pfeffer for his role in spearheading the establishment
of the kollel (which was first mooted to association
members at the previous year's Conference).
On another front, meetings have been held with all the major
girls' Seminaries to focus their teacher training on what
our schools require. The Seminaries would like more girls
coming into schools to give lessons. The Association would
however prefer Seminaries to filter their pupils and target
those who seriously wish to pursue a teaching career. The
good news is that some funding is available for a mentoring
system for Seminary pupils.
Mention was made of the important role carried out by MST
(in London) and Mr. P. Pink (in Manchester) in the field of
teacher training. However there is no room for complacency,
as the situation in this country is as yet far from ideal,
particularly as far as training rebbes is concerned.
To assist in recruiting suitable rebbes and teachers, it was
suggested that approaches should be made to the
hanholo of various yeshivos, asking them to guide
suitable talmidim into chinuch. Furthermore
Senior Girls Schools should promote teaching as a
vocation.
Retention of kodesh staff, particularly of young
unmarried females, continues to be a major problem for many
schools. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that when
a teacher becomes engaged, she decides or is obliged, to
relinquish her position in the middle of the school year. It
was discussed whether schools should draw up a contract to
be signed by new teachers. This would make them aware of the
importance of completing the school year, and require them
to do everything within their power to carry this out. Also
chassonim should be encouraged (by their rabbonei
yeshiva) to delay their moving to Eretz Yisroel if their
kallah is required to stay in England to assist in
the chinuch of the youth of her hometown. Retention
of experiences teachers could be facilitated if they are
encouraged to broaden their horizons, to assume additional
responsibilities and to undertake challenging projects.
Closing Sessions
Mr. Jacobson opened the session by informing delegates that
the Association was considering employing a part-time Public
Relations officer to raise the profile of frum schools and
schooling. He declared that in Eretz Yisroel, for example,
it would inconceivable for Headteachers to work under the
conditions that some of our Headteachers are obliged to
tolerate. Despite that, our Headteachers are doing
particularly well in schools and Chadorim up and down
the country.
Mr. Jacobson mentioned that funding for the Association's
activities continues to be somewhat problematic, despite
several handsome donations from individuals concerned with
raising the standards and stature of Chinuch in this
country.
Rabbi Horowitz had warm words of encouragement for all
delegates. He quoted from both the Kedushas Levi and
the Chofetz Chaim, that if a mechanech is unable to
learn Torah himself for much of the day because he is
involved in helping others, then if he does learn in his
limited spare time he is rewarded as if he had learned all
the time.
He declared that although being a Headmaster is a stressful
and sometimes unrewarding vocation, nevertheless there is an
abundance of reward stashed away in Olom Haboh. By
acting as an example to pupils, all mitzvos that they
do in later life because of their former Headteacher, will
generate reward for the Headmaster.
Finally he reassured those who felt they had insufficient
quality time to spend with their families, with the same
reassurance that the Chasam Sofer accepted from one of his
disciples. Namely, that it is the best form of
chinuch for children to see parents involved in
chinuch, transmitting Torah and Torah values to
future generations.
Annual General Meeting
The Association utilized the opportunity presented by the
participation of many of its members at the conference to
stage its Annual General Meeting on the final morning of the
Conference.
Mr. D. Jacobson, Chairman of the Association, felt that it
was time to analyze the Association's Constitution, as
education has moved on during the nine years since the
Association's inception. Furthermore, the Association itself
has expanded in size and stature, and now caters for a much
wider spectrum of European Orthodox Jewish Schools and
chadorim than it did when the Constitution was first
drawn up.
Rabbi Yodaiken, vice-chairman and driving force behind the
Association, mentioned the spirit of unity that pervaded
throughout the Conference. He then went on to outline some
of the achievements of the Association on the national stage
over the past year.
a) GCSE - A & AS level Biblical Hebrew has been reinstated
following the signing of a contract with the examining board
OCR. The assistance of Mr. C. Fierstone in this area is much
appreciated.
b) Following an unsuitable Key Stage 1 Sats English paper,
the Executive of the Association consulted rabbonim. A new
panel of three teachers represent the Frum schools and now
review the papers at Key Stage 1, 2 & 3.
c) The DFEE (official British Government agency) has
formally acknowledged and accepted the Association, which
has joined their consultation list for all policy
changes.
d) Extensive meetings with seminaries have taken place, to
organize teacher training that is suitable for our
schools.
Rabbi Yodaiken then went on to adopt the results of the
various sessions and fringe meetings as resolutions of the
Conference.
Looking to the future, the members of the Executive put
forward the program of the forthcoming year, which
incorporates:
a) Arranging courses for Association members in the
management of ADD and ADHD pupils.
b) Exploring the possibility of an annual convention for
Rebbes.
c) Schools to share database information on: Suitable
reading material, teaching with specialist skills,
availability of staff, holiday dates, amongst other
things.
Concern was also raised about the explosion of modern
technology, which has led to mobile phones becoming the norm
and the government promoting Internet provisions for all
youngsters. The obviously deleterious effects of what
society classes a technological advance must be made known
to all parents and educators. A subcommittee, chaired by
Rabbi E. Klyne, was established to coordinate the response
of our schools to the government's insistence on the
promotion of these dangerous tools.
Rabbi Haliwa of Gibraltar put forward a suggestion that the
Association should publish a newsletter at 3-monthly
intervals, to keep all delegates up-to-date with all matters
dealt with by the Association.
Despite the Executive putting themselves forward for re-
election, it was unanimously voted for them to stay in
office. The Executives themselves were gratified to note the
enthusiastic involvement of other Headteachers in the
chairing of committees and undertaking various projects on
behalf of the Association.
Personal Musings of a Participant
by Rabbi N.
Part II
***
So, who were the `VIPs' of the Conference?
The aforementioned Rabbi Young was definitely one of them.
Rabbi Y. C. Horowitz (the Satmar Dayan in Manchester) was
definitely another, with his refined manner and dignified
personality. His ability and willingness to answer our
sheilos was a great boon to the conference. Our third
rabbinical guest, Rabbi Y. L. Wittler of Yeshivas Tifferes
Yaakov Gateshead, was another VIP. The guidance on delicate
issues that was dispensed in such a gentle manner, the
divrei chizuk and the perspective of the
chinuch situation at our schools seen through the
eyes of a yeshiva mashgiach, were all valuable
additions to the Conference.
All the senior mechanchim, with their wealth of
experience and fresh approach, were an inspiration to us
all. Mr. `DJ' Jacobson and his co-organizers (Rabbi Y.
Yodaiken of Manchester -- who bore the brunt of the
organizational work for the Conference -- and Rabbi N.
Lieberman of Gateshead) were also VIPs, for arranging and
coordinating such a stimulating program. Those who led the
session were VIPs. They were all well-prepared, and
presented challenging and thought-provoking material.
But, to my mind, the unsung heroes were the
mechanchos. Despite not speaking publicly at any of
the sessions, these neshei chayil had a profound
impact on the conference. These talented ladies combine
housekeeping (and child-rearing) with full-time senior
chinuch positions, and somehow manage to put their
hearts and souls into chinuch. The mechanchos
held their own session to discuss issues pertinent to
themselves, had their own shiurim from Rabbi Wittler
and Rabbi Young, and actively participated in the smaller,
special-interest sessions. The Community is enhanced by
their contributions.
***
Several panelists were asked their most fulfilling
experience in chinuch. The answer was invariably the
same. It was the phone call or letter from a former pupil
thanking the Headteacher for having confidence in them as
young children, and thanking them for being THE person who
set them up for life. All the setbacks are worthwhile when
one receives that single call.
Looking around the Conference room I thought to myself -- we
know the significance of matzil nefesh achas
miYisroel. Who knows how many lives have been literally
saved by the Headteachers sitting in this room? How many
thousands upon thousands of young lives have been
strengthened by those present. What a privilege to be in
such company!
***
I believe that everybody who attended gained from the
experience and returned to his/her school with renewed vigor
and enthusiasm.
Surely everybody understands that all those in a responsible
and authoritative position require in-service training from
time to time, and that the learning time lost by the pupils
(or the expense involved) is outweighed several times over
by the rejuvenated approach of the Headteacher on his
return. Isn't this the epitome of Bituloh zehhu
kiyumoh? Is it too difficult for schools to be able to
arrange cover for the Headteacher or to arrange a two-day
half-term break once a year? One hopes not.
***
What bothers most Headteachers on a personal level? It is
probably the brickbats that arrive on an irregular basis.
The thoughtless parent who phones a Headteacher to let off
steam, after hearing their child's version of events at
school that day.
Reb Moshe Steinberg had words of comfort for us on that
point, too, in his finale speech just before minchoh
on Tuesday. "I am no longer in full-time chinuch," he
declared, "and can therefore claim to speak on behalf of the
wider public. The silent majority out there salute their
dedicate menahalim and menahalos. They may not
always be capable of, or thoughtful enough to, verbalize
their thoughts. But they are fully behind you. Chazak
ve'emotz."
Simple words. Common sense. But a chizuk
nevertheless!
