“ I love the programs that Hidden Sparks puts together. The foundation of knowledge that each presenter carries astounds me and the manner in which material is presented is so well thought out and organized. These presenters inspire me to want to learn more about best practices for educating students” -Teacher, YBH of Passaic, NJ
I am going to cultivate a classroom culture favorable to differentiation from day one [of the school year]! -Summer 2022 DI Skills Series Participant
Audience: Judaic and General Studies teachers of grades K-8, and administrators of those divisions in NY State yeshivas and day schools.
Training Format: This training begins with 2 in-person days this summer (see date options below) and will continue with virtual monthly coaching sessions during the fall-winter semester.
Fee: $100/participant (scholarship available- please contact Sara@HiddenSparks.org/201-218-5703). Dairy lunch included. Participants will earn 10 NYS CTLE CEUs at the 2-day course and additional for the coaching sessions.
Eligibility: The session at the end of August in Brooklyn, not sponsored by the UJA, does not require vaccination, though at-home testing will be required day of. Educators from NY & NJ are eligible to attend.
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*Vaccination not required at this session. This session is not sponsored by the UJA.
All participants will receive follow up virtual group coaching during the semester.
Deanna Stecker, Hidden Sparks’ differentiated instruction consultant, is a learning specialist with over 25 years of experience working in Jewish day schools, including Schechter Manhattan where she has been the Coordinator of Learning Support for the past 15 years. Her expertise includes guiding and mentoring educators, parents and students in the implementation of differentiated instruction across all subject areas, identifying and modeling high-impact evidence-based practices, and problem-solving around learning and behavioral challenges that impact student progress and school culture. Previously, she worked at the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) where she led professional development workshops and developed materials for educators and parents for Get Ready to Read!, NCLD’s early literacy program. Deanna holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Educational Psychology: Reading Specialist from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Tamar Appel, Director of Education for Hidden Sparks, is a past Associate Principal of Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls in Teaneck, NJ, having served there as a teacher and administrator for a combined 18 years. As an educational leader, she has created a culture of ongoing professional development, supportive and productive mentorship of faculty, and academic excellence. She has also served as a mentor for school leaders through Prizmah’s YOU Lead Program and for new teachers through the Jewish New Teacher Project, and has pursued her own professional growth through programs including the Summer Institute for Principals at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Tamar is passionate and confident about the potential for growth in every student, teacher and school, and she is excited to facilitate this as part of the Hidden Sparks team.
