Testimonials from Past Participants

“I found the presentation to be fantastic, it was empowering, informative and interesting, and most importantly, so practical. I learned so many new ideas that I can implement in my classroom/curriculum.”

“Over the past two days, the different ways to approach all academic subjects was amazing. The centers and different options toward learning are amazing strategies to help make learning more enjoyable to all.”

“I am going to cultivate a classroom culture favorable to differentiation from day one [of the school year]!”

With the support of UJA-Federation of New York, Hidden Sparks has developed a deep dive into Differentiated Instruction.

Together, you will think flexibly about your lessons and the multiple ways in which  they can be developed to  reach all your students,  boost engagement and student success.  You will gain a tool box of differentiation strategies that you can apply in your classroom, tailored to the age and subject matter you teach.

Audience: Judaic and General Studies teachers of grades K-8, and administrators of those divisions .

Training Format: There are half day, full day and two day training options. Follow up virtual and onsite coaching available. CEU eligible.

Fee: Please contact Sara Diament, Dir. School Services Sara@HiddenSparks.org/201-218-5703 for a cost estimate.

Meet our Facilitators

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.

For more information, please contact Sara Diament, Director of School Services at Sara@HiddenSparks.org or 201-218-5703.