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NEWS
British Headteachers Meet in Bournemouth
by Yated Ne'eman Staff

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!

 

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