There has been a lot going on in my life and and I will blog and update you all soon.
Most notably is my starting my new position as Head of School for Ohr Chadash Academy and secondly was presenting at the Martin Institute Summer conference
Here is my presentation
Executive Search Recruiting is like being a Matchmaker by connecting Clients ( Organizations ) with Candidates ( Job Seekers) Through this blog I will share my journey and thoughts about recruiting.
Sharing ideas on Education, Leadership and Life
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
THE PROCESS COUNTS
This weekend I read the following article:
"Learning or Knowing ;Which Takes Precedence? by Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, Chancellor of Yeshiva University
Unfortunately right now the article is not available on line.
There was a also a second piece titled "Perspective on the Field by Dr. Eliezer Jones
Below are some quotes from Dr Lamm followed by those of Dr. Jones
"Judaism, then, takes exactly the opposite worldview of the Greeks, and holds
that becoming takes precedence over being. Accordingly, we believe that study
is more important than knowledge. If knowledge is a state of Being, studying
is an act of Becoming. As one studies, he keeps growing and growing.
"This preference for the process explains what the Sages mean when they say,
“According to the pain is the reward.”
What one is rewarded for is the pain
involved in the process - the pain of studying, the
pain of researching, the pain of thinking, the pain
of solving conflicts- the pain of being confronted
by one’s own ignorance and struggling to
overcome it"Dr Lamm
"Learning by oneself as an adult is in a sense derivative of the
requirement to teach one’s children. For Judaism, teaching children becomes
more important than teaching adults. Why? Although the end product is
considered important, the process - the study - is much more important.
This explains why our emphasis is on child education, as opposed to adult
education Dr Lamm
"As I am somewhat connected to the field of education myself, I know that
teachers are very often frustrated. There is a very high degree of burnout. It
isn’t easy to be a teacher. Therefore, educators frequently fret. I have heard
this from many teachers in elementary schools, in high schools, and even in
universities. They complain that they put so much effort into teaching and
they don’t produce results. They don’t see the students getting as much as they
should out of school. They feel frustrated by not being able to do all they hoped.
they could. Both the quantity learned and the joy of learning are less than they
ought to be. The struggle is often a very disheartening one.
Nevertheless, my friends and colleagues who are in the field of education need
to remember this idea. The process is more important than the results. The
very act of teaching, the struggle of challenging the students, is worthwhile
even if it does not succeed in the way the teacher would like, and even if it
appears to fall on deaf ears. That is the greatness of our craft, of our profession,
of our call, of our commitment." Dr Lamm
"Twenty-first century education continues to recognize the need for teaching core content, but as
information becomes more available and easily accessible, skills like creativity,
collaboration, problem solving, innovation, communication, digital citizenship
and critical thinking have become the primary skill base. As Rabbi Dr. Lamm
suggests, the process of learning, not just knowing, is significant." Dr. Eliezer Jones
"As Rabbi Dr. Lamm articulates, Jewish education needs to focus less on the
“downloading” of information and more on the process of learning. While
there is value in knowledge, in the digital information age, it is the learning that
must be at the forefront." Dr Eliezer Jones
As many of us are ending another school year I think we should be asking ourselves a new set of questions. Rather than asking how much do my students know or how much did a I cover ( a phrase I abhor) we should be asking these questions:
- How did my students grow this year?
- What types of questions did my students ask?
- Do my students know how to think?
- Did I make them think?
- Did I push my students out of their comfort zone?
- Did I emphasize the importance of the learning process?
I am not saying that students don't need to have basic skills and knowledge, they need that in all areas but what is our focus and more than that do we teach our students that the process of learning is also part of learning and also matters, perhaps more than the knowledge itself.
Please share what questions you would add
Akevy
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
MY ( Quick) RELECTIONS from EDJEWCON
[ Editors Note: There is so much I still need process and want to blog about but wanted to share my quick highlights right away. ]
WOW!!
I am not sure what else to say about my recent experience at the EDJEWCON conference.
First is foremost are thank you to the amazing organizers Jon_Mitzmacher langwitches edtechworkshop
I would also like to thank them for asking me to present ( a topic for a separate blog post very shortly )
I would also like to thank my school the Margolin Hebrew Academy for sending me together with a team of three other educators.
The conference started for me with a keynote from heidihaysjacobs unquestionably the premier expert on 21st century learning.
She pointed out the following which for me made me really think she said that Form should follow function but in reality how we function unfortunately follows the form and system we are currently in. In reality this is our biggest challenge the school structure is 19th century the curriculum is 20th century and we are teaching 21st century students
Then she challenged us and in return I challenge myself and all of you as well given our current structure curriculum assessments etc for what year are we preparing our current students for?
Heidi said not one is educations them for today let alone tomorrow she believes we fall between the 1980-90's a very scary thought.
She also pointed out which is a pet peeve of mine as well that these aren’t 21st century skills but rather skills needed for life and we should probably stop using that term given that we are more than 10% into the 21st century.
And finally she concluded with the idea that we are not necessarily looking for change but rather our goal should be growth and with growth we go through growing pains and it hurts sometimes.
The conference ended with a key note from AngelaMaires
What a way to end she truly lives her Mantra of you matter and being passion driven. What an inspiration
I have blogged and spoken about how technology is a tool and it needs to support learning
Angela said it even better and that is What is the RIGHT way to use technology or how can we use technology correctly and she shared the following acronym
R-Real ( it needs to make the learning real )
I-Impact it must have an impact on our students
G-Global - learning is now global and needs to be done beyond the classroom walls
H-Honor Passion
T- talent amplifier
I am not sure what else to say about my recent experience at the EDJEWCON conference.
First is foremost are thank you to the amazing organizers Jon_Mitzmacher langwitches edtechworkshop
I would also like to thank them for asking me to present ( a topic for a separate blog post very shortly )
I would also like to thank my school the Margolin Hebrew Academy for sending me together with a team of three other educators.
The conference started for me with a keynote from heidihaysjacobs unquestionably the premier expert on 21st century learning.
She pointed out the following which for me made me really think she said that Form should follow function but in reality how we function unfortunately follows the form and system we are currently in. In reality this is our biggest challenge the school structure is 19th century the curriculum is 20th century and we are teaching 21st century students
Then she challenged us and in return I challenge myself and all of you as well given our current structure curriculum assessments etc for what year are we preparing our current students for?
Heidi said not one is educations them for today let alone tomorrow she believes we fall between the 1980-90's a very scary thought.
She also pointed out which is a pet peeve of mine as well that these aren’t 21st century skills but rather skills needed for life and we should probably stop using that term given that we are more than 10% into the 21st century.
And finally she concluded with the idea that we are not necessarily looking for change but rather our goal should be growth and with growth we go through growing pains and it hurts sometimes.
The conference ended with a key note from AngelaMaires
What a way to end she truly lives her Mantra of you matter and being passion driven. What an inspiration
I have blogged and spoken about how technology is a tool and it needs to support learning
Angela said it even better and that is What is the RIGHT way to use technology or how can we use technology correctly and she shared the following acronym
R-Real ( it needs to make the learning real )
I-Impact it must have an impact on our students
G-Global - learning is now global and needs to be done beyond the classroom walls
H-Honor Passion
T- talent amplifier
Angela concluded with the following idea that I tweeted out.
She said the number 1 thing students want is to know that They MATTER! You show me that we Matter when you honor me, inspire
me, notice me , smile at me ,help me, and trust me via AngelaMaiers
In between these two keynotes there were amazing sessions
about leading school change, how we need to reflect on our learning and
teaching and how can we create that culture,and blog portfolios just to name a
few. Each one probably deserves an individual blog post.
However the biggest takeaway and the one thing that made the
biggest impression was the fact that everyone came to learn. We often talk
about life long learners and we believe it ( I hope) but do we see it. Well I
had the privilege over the last 2 days to be in an environment where everyone
was willing to learn and grow and move
out of his or her comfort zone.
Can’t Wait for EDJEWCON 5773
Sunday, March 25, 2012
A NEW JOB REQUIRES A NEW BALANCE
This week’s weekly Torah Portion had as one of its themes
the idea of humility. Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, Senior Rabbi of Baron Hirsch
Congregation, mentioned that we see from certain Rabbinic sources that even Moses
who was known to be the most humble person “got into trouble” for being too humble.
I think the message is clear that leaders need to be humble
but at the same time they need to balance that with the need to take action and
lead.
This message really spoke to me this week.
This past week I accepted the position as Principal of Ohr Chadash Academy in Baltimore
for the 2012-2013 school year.
While I was truly humbled by the words written in the
article as well as by a letter written by Rabbi Perl, my current Head of
School, to the parent body here in Memphis ,
I need to remember this balance.
As I get ready to embark on this new leadership role I need
to understand the need for humility in order to build and gain trust at first. At
the same time there are areas where I will need to step up and take action to
lead by example.
I am comforted in the fact that Moses the greatest leader
and the most humble person struggled with this balance as well.
I am excited and looking forward to the new challenges and
opportunities that this new position has and I pray for the wisdom needed to
help me grow as a leader and to help Ohr Chadash grow into a school of
excellence.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
WE NEED TO PUT L.I.F.E BACK IN SCHOOLS
Here are some highlights:
“The pursuit of knowledge for its own sake: We spend a
fortune teaching trigonometry to kids who don’t understand it, won’t use it,
and will spend no more of their lives studying math. We invest thousands of
hours exposing millions of students to fiction and literature, but end up
training most of them to never again read for fun (one study found that 58
percent of all Americans never read for pleasure after they graduate from
school). As soon as we associate reading a book with taking a test, we’ve
missed the point.”
“There’s no room for someone who wants to go faster, or
someone who wants to do something else, or someone who cares about a particular
issue. Move on. Write it in your notes; there will be a test later. A
multiple-choice test.
Do we need more fear?
Less passion?”
“What is school for?
If you’re not asking that, you’re wasting time and money.
Here’s a hint: learning is not done to you. Learning is
something you choose to do”
“43. How not to teach someone to be a baseball fan
Teach the history of baseball, beginning with Abner
Doubleday and the impact of cricket and imperialism. Have a test. Starting with
the Negro leagues and the early barnstorming teams, assign students to memorize
facts and figures about each player. Have a test.Rank the class on who did well
on the first two tests, and allow these students to memorize even more
statistics about baseball players. Make sure to give equal time to players in
Japan and the Dominican Republic. Send the students who didn’t do as well to
spend time with a lesser teacher, but assign them similar work, just over a
longer time frame. Have a test .Sometime in the future, do a field trip and go
to a baseball game. Make sure no one has a good time. If there’s time, let kids
throw a baseball around during recess.Obviously, there are plenty of kids (and
adults) who know far more about baseball than anyone could imagine knowing. And
none of them learned it this way.
The industrialized, scalable, testable solution is almost
never the best way to
generate exceptional learning.”
“Teach a kid to write without fear and you have given her a
powerful tool for the rest of her life. Teach a kid to write boring book
reports and standard drivel and you’ve taken something precious away from a
student who deserves better”
“132.What we teach
When we teach a child to make good decisions, we benefit
from a lifetime of
good decisions.
When we teach a child to love to learn, the amount of
learning will become
limitless.
When we teach a child to deal with a changing world, she
will never become
obsolete.
When we are brave enough to teach a child to question
authority, even ours, we
insulate ourselves from those who would use their authority
to work against each
of us.
And when we give students the desire to make things, even
choices, we create a world filled with makers. “
This really is a must read for every educator.
While there is a lot here to digest and I don’t meant to
simplify the major issues that we face today but to me we could change a lot if we just put
“LIFE” back
in school
LIFE to me stands
L- Learning
I-Is
F- Fun
(for)
E- Everyone
Perhaps if we made learning fun and engaging we could “Stop
Stealing Dreams” and create Dreams
Sunday, February 12, 2012
MY PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
I
would like to share some personal thoughts and reflections. I think it
is important and it is something that we can all learn from. Even if we
can't learn from it it may be helpful and therapeutic for me to put my
thoughts in writing.
The last two weeks have been very difficult for me. There have been a number of issues that I have had to deal with and in the words of Todd Whitaker "I have a lot of Monkeys on my back" ( I happen to be in the middle of reading his book with a similar title "Shifting the Monkey") I have not finished the book but at times and especially this week my feeling has been “if I didn't step up or do something then at the end of the day it would be the students that suffer” and that is something no matter how many ‘Monkeys’ I have I am not willing to let happen.
Again I was faced with that question of balance and how to deal with these issues and not get down or upset?
As I am fond of doing I like reading the writing of Lord Rabbi Sacks and when I checked out his website on Friday I found the following article. "Ways to achieve happiness beginning with thank you"
In this article Lord Rabbi Sacks outlines four ways to accomplish happiness.
Here are his thoughts:
"First, thank. Don’t just thank God: thank people. There is almost nothing you can do to bring warmth into someone else’s life than simple, honest recognition for something they have done, especially if it’s the kind of thing most people take for granted. Do it for your children’s teachers, your work colleagues, the person at the checkout counter, anyone who does the kind of work we often call “thankless.”
If you have a spare moment – you’re waiting in a queue somewhere – think back to someone who, many years ago, made a positive difference to your life and whom you didn’t thank at the time: a teacher who inspired you, perhaps, or a friend who gave you good advice or lifted you when you were low. Write to them and tell them so. This one act can transform a life, and giving a satisfaction to others is the best way of finding it yourself. Remember Paul McCartney’s words in Abbey Road: The love you take is equal to the love you make. Ditto for happiness.
Second, resolve to be active not passive. Be a doer, not a complainer. Light a candle, don’t curse the darkness. Don’t criticise leaders: lead. Don’t wait for something to happen: help bring it about. Life is too short to be a spectator rather than a player. So, sit less, exercise more. Drive less, walk more. Neuroscientists have made the heartening discovery that physical exertion renews our brain cells. It actually keeps us mentally as well as physically young. It also produces the endorphins that fight depression and produce exhilaration. Moses Maimonides, the twelfth century rabbi who was also one of the leading physicians of his day, held that keeping fit was a religious duty. God gave us life and we honour Him by using it to the full.
Third, be part of a community. There is something transformative about being part of a group who pray, celebrate, remember and hope together. If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a community to reach a full flowering of happiness. Virtual communities linked by smart-phones are no substitute for real face-to-face encounter. Community is where our grief is halved and our joy doubled by being shared with others.
Fourth, make a thorough clear-out of negative emotions. Apologise to those you’ve wronged, and forgive those who have wronged you. Emotional energy is too precious to waste it on guilt on the one hand, resentment on the other."
These ideas really spoke to me.
I would like to express a Thank you to my family and friends for their constant support,advice and help. I would also like to thank all the teachers for all that they do on a daily basis on behalf of their students.
The second idea spoke to me even more during this current crisis. Complaining and criticizing others isn't going to accomplish anything and yes, it may make me feel better but at the end of the day it will not accomplish. So As Rabbi Saks pointed out I just need to lead. I will admit easier said than done.
His last idea is one that I have a tough time with. The need to move on and put out those negative feelings. Even harder but more important is to forgive those that have wronged you. As I was reminded by a friend that is doesn't do any good to worry about things that are out of our control.
I am by no means perfect and some these ideas while very true are easier said than done and it probably won't make me feel any better but I know that the way I feel now is nor healthy for me, my family and especially my students.
The last two weeks have been very difficult for me. There have been a number of issues that I have had to deal with and in the words of Todd Whitaker "I have a lot of Monkeys on my back" ( I happen to be in the middle of reading his book with a similar title "Shifting the Monkey") I have not finished the book but at times and especially this week my feeling has been “if I didn't step up or do something then at the end of the day it would be the students that suffer” and that is something no matter how many ‘Monkeys’ I have I am not willing to let happen.
Again I was faced with that question of balance and how to deal with these issues and not get down or upset?
As I am fond of doing I like reading the writing of Lord Rabbi Sacks and when I checked out his website on Friday I found the following article. "Ways to achieve happiness beginning with thank you"
In this article Lord Rabbi Sacks outlines four ways to accomplish happiness.
Here are his thoughts:
"First, thank. Don’t just thank God: thank people. There is almost nothing you can do to bring warmth into someone else’s life than simple, honest recognition for something they have done, especially if it’s the kind of thing most people take for granted. Do it for your children’s teachers, your work colleagues, the person at the checkout counter, anyone who does the kind of work we often call “thankless.”
If you have a spare moment – you’re waiting in a queue somewhere – think back to someone who, many years ago, made a positive difference to your life and whom you didn’t thank at the time: a teacher who inspired you, perhaps, or a friend who gave you good advice or lifted you when you were low. Write to them and tell them so. This one act can transform a life, and giving a satisfaction to others is the best way of finding it yourself. Remember Paul McCartney’s words in Abbey Road: The love you take is equal to the love you make. Ditto for happiness.
Second, resolve to be active not passive. Be a doer, not a complainer. Light a candle, don’t curse the darkness. Don’t criticise leaders: lead. Don’t wait for something to happen: help bring it about. Life is too short to be a spectator rather than a player. So, sit less, exercise more. Drive less, walk more. Neuroscientists have made the heartening discovery that physical exertion renews our brain cells. It actually keeps us mentally as well as physically young. It also produces the endorphins that fight depression and produce exhilaration. Moses Maimonides, the twelfth century rabbi who was also one of the leading physicians of his day, held that keeping fit was a religious duty. God gave us life and we honour Him by using it to the full.
Third, be part of a community. There is something transformative about being part of a group who pray, celebrate, remember and hope together. If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a community to reach a full flowering of happiness. Virtual communities linked by smart-phones are no substitute for real face-to-face encounter. Community is where our grief is halved and our joy doubled by being shared with others.
Fourth, make a thorough clear-out of negative emotions. Apologise to those you’ve wronged, and forgive those who have wronged you. Emotional energy is too precious to waste it on guilt on the one hand, resentment on the other."
These ideas really spoke to me.
I would like to express a Thank you to my family and friends for their constant support,advice and help. I would also like to thank all the teachers for all that they do on a daily basis on behalf of their students.
The second idea spoke to me even more during this current crisis. Complaining and criticizing others isn't going to accomplish anything and yes, it may make me feel better but at the end of the day it will not accomplish. So As Rabbi Saks pointed out I just need to lead. I will admit easier said than done.
His last idea is one that I have a tough time with. The need to move on and put out those negative feelings. Even harder but more important is to forgive those that have wronged you. As I was reminded by a friend that is doesn't do any good to worry about things that are out of our control.
I am by no means perfect and some these ideas while very true are easier said than done and it probably won't make me feel any better but I know that the way I feel now is nor healthy for me, my family and especially my students.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
IT IS NOT SOMETHING NEW
One of my pet peeves is when people think that Differentiation Instruction and 21st Century Skills are something new and that now teachers need to do something different. I think if would ask most teachers if it is important that they meet the needs of their students or that their students can communicate, think critically, and be creative, I would think most teachers would say YES no matter if they taught 25 years ago or are teaching today. Therefore I claim that D.I. and 21st Century skills are just good teaching and learning practices. This will be the topic of my presentation at the upcoming Martin Institute Conference in June. (http://www.eventbee.com/v/misumcon12)
Then over the weekend I read this article by Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks "The Necessity of Asking Questions"
(http://chiefrabbi.org/UploadedFiles/Articals/Bo_5772.pdf)
In this Article Rabbi Sacks point out the importance of asking questions. He states that in the middle of the climax of the story of the Jews leaving Egypt the Torah ( Bible) tells us the twice that our children will ask us questions
"And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’” (Ex. 12: 26-27)
In days to come, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ say to him, ‘With a mighty hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. (Ex. 13: 14)"
Rabbi Sacks maintains that is more than just asking questions but that Teachers and Parents need to encourage their children and students to ask questions. He shares the following story:
"Isadore Rabi, winner of a Nobel Prize in physics, was once asked why he became a scientist. He replied, “My mother made me a scientist without ever knowing it. Every other child would come back from school and be asked, ‘What did you learn today?’ But my mother used to ask: ‘Izzy, did you ask a good question today?’ That made the difference. Asking good questions made me a scientist.”
He goes on to say "Encourage your children to ask, question, probe, investigate, analyze, explore....The one essential, though, is to know and to teach this to our children, that not every question has an answer we can immediately understand."
I don't know about you but to me it would seem to me that the Torah ( Bible) itself is teaching us the importance of asking questions which by the way would today be described as a 21st Century Skill.
Therefore lets not get caught up with names or titles but rather just focus on helping our children and students learn so that they reach their potential and be productive and successful in the world in which we live in
My Thoughts
Akevy
Then over the weekend I read this article by Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks "The Necessity of Asking Questions"
(http://chiefrabbi.org/UploadedFiles/Articals/Bo_5772.pdf)
In this Article Rabbi Sacks point out the importance of asking questions. He states that in the middle of the climax of the story of the Jews leaving Egypt the Torah ( Bible) tells us the twice that our children will ask us questions
"And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’” (Ex. 12: 26-27)
In days to come, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ say to him, ‘With a mighty hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. (Ex. 13: 14)"
Rabbi Sacks maintains that is more than just asking questions but that Teachers and Parents need to encourage their children and students to ask questions. He shares the following story:
"Isadore Rabi, winner of a Nobel Prize in physics, was once asked why he became a scientist. He replied, “My mother made me a scientist without ever knowing it. Every other child would come back from school and be asked, ‘What did you learn today?’ But my mother used to ask: ‘Izzy, did you ask a good question today?’ That made the difference. Asking good questions made me a scientist.”
He goes on to say "Encourage your children to ask, question, probe, investigate, analyze, explore....The one essential, though, is to know and to teach this to our children, that not every question has an answer we can immediately understand."
I don't know about you but to me it would seem to me that the Torah ( Bible) itself is teaching us the importance of asking questions which by the way would today be described as a 21st Century Skill.
Therefore lets not get caught up with names or titles but rather just focus on helping our children and students learn so that they reach their potential and be productive and successful in the world in which we live in
My Thoughts
Akevy
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