The Model Chinuch League, now in its second year, recently held an event at Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls in Teaneck, New Jersey. The league was founded under the guidance of Rambam Mesivta’s Principal, Mr. Hillel Goldman, with the goal of inspiring students to pursue careers in chinuch and teaching, to address the growing gap of young professionals not entering the field. The league provides students with a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of a teaching career and a life in chinuch.
The first event took place last year at the Rambam Mesivta, followed by the second event at Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central). Special thanks go to Mrs. Bracha Rutner, Head of School at Central, for her instrumental role in helping to launch the league. Gratitude is also extended to Ma’ayanot, with a special shoutout to Mrs. Miriam Schwartz, Director of Programming, for her help in organizing this year’s first Model Chinuch League Tournament.
To participate in the tournament, students were tasked with creating a ten-minute lesson on one of three Torah portions: Parshas VaYeira, Parshas Chayei Sarah, or Parshas Toldos. The lesson needed to be designed for a high school audience and include some form of board work (e.g., Smartboard, slides, or chalkboard). It also had to feature an engaging hook, sources from the mefarshim, a takeaway for the Shabbos table, and interactive elements to encourage student participation.
Every Model Chinuch League event features a guest of honor who has dedicated his/her life to education. The Model Chinuch League presents the “guest of honor” with an award and the student/teachers are treated to words of chizuk and inspiration during a Guest of Honor Address. This year’s Guest of Honor was Mrs. Cindy Zucker, Principal of the Middle School Girls Division at Rosenbaum Yeshiva New Jersey. Mrs. Zucker has dedicated her career to inspiring students to live lives rooted in Torah, Israel, and excellence.
After giving two presentations, the student-teachers were excited to see the results; however, while the plaques were of the highest quality, everyone involved in the Model Chinuch League has an eye toward loftier goals and the overall more important mission of educating the future of klal Yisrael. Congratulations though to Suri Seplowitz of Ma’ayanot for winning Best Presentation, and to Lana Bahn of Central for coming away with Best Lesson. Ma’ayanot’s Leah Berzidah was named Best Teacher with Jacob Gordon of Rambam earning the Most Outstanding Award.
Jacob Gordon focused his lesson on the characters of Yaakov and Eisav, examining their differing paths through the lens of the text and discussing the theme of brotherhood. He explored how two brothers could end up so different from each other, and the lessons we can learn from their story. His colorful Smart Board work was on full display, augmenting his points, as he took the audience on a new journey toward a greater understanding of what it means to be a brother.
In addition to the event, participants enjoyed pizza and received swag. Newcomers received sweatshirts, returning members got polo shirts or long-sleeve tees. Participating schools included Central, Ezra Academy, Frisch, Ma’ayanot, and Rambam Mesivta. In the past, the Model Chinuch League has also had students participating from HANC and SAR.
The students are already eagerly anticipating the next event with even more learning and teaching!
