With the support of UJA-Federation of New York, Hidden Sparks has already taken 350 educators from 36 schools on a deep dive into Differentiated Instruction.

 

Join a multi-school training or bring it on-site at your school and  think more 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.

 

National Workshops
School-Based Training Packages: Consider bringing the training directly to your school faculty. There are half day, full day and two-day custom workshop options. Follow up virtual and onsite coaching packages available. Please contact Sara Diament, Dir. School Services Sara@HiddenSparks.org/201-218-5703 for a cost estimate.
Summer Training in NYC in Partnership with The Jewish Education Project - Registration is Now Open!
Open to all Schools: Educators from all over the country are encouraged to join our two-day summer training this summer in NYC.
Date: Summer 2025: July 29 & 30
Time: 9:30am-3:30pm
Location: The Jewish Education Project, 1675 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
Audience: Judaic and General Studies educators of grades K-8, and administrators of those divisions.
Fee: $100 (includes kosher dairy lunch). Limited scholarships available. Participants are eligible for 12 NYS CEUs.
Questions about this training or bringing it to your school? RabbiHus@HiddenSparks.org/212-767-7707

Registration is made through our host partner, The Jewish Education Project.

Click here to register!

 

 

 

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]!”

“For our teachers, working with Deanna has been a professional development opportunity like no other. Through her guidance, our educators have gained a deep understanding of how to effectively differentiate their instruction to meet the needs of all learners. Deanna’s coaching sessions have provided our teachers with practical strategies, resources, and tools that they can implement in their classrooms immediately. As a result, our teachers have become more confident and skilled in delivering tailored instruction that engages and motivates every student, leading to improved academic outcomes.

The impact of Deanna’s coaching extends beyond the teachers themselves; it directly benefits our students as well. By employing differentiated instruction techniques, our teachers can better identify and address individual students’ strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences. As a result, students feel more supported, valued, and challenged in their educational journey. This personalized approach fosters a positive and inclusive learning environment, where every student can thrive and reach their full potential. We have witnessed increased student engagement, improved academic performance, and a notable boost in self-confidence among our students since implementing Deanna’s strategies.”

Schools that have participated to date:

• Bais Yaakov Bnos Aliya Montessori Girls’ School
• Bais Yaakov Lower East Side
• Barkai
• Beth Jacob of Boro Park
• Beth Rivkah
• Bnos Malka Academy
• Ganeinu Academy
• Golda Och Academy
• Gottesman RTW Academy
• HAFTR
• HALB
• HANC WH
• JEC
• Kushner Hebrew Academy
• Magen Israel Center
• Manhattan Day School
• Marilyn and Sheldon David IVDU Upper Boys School
• Mazel Day School
• Mercaz Academy
• Mill Basin Yeshiva Academy
• North Shore Hebrew Academy
• Rodeph Sholom School
• SAR
• SINAI@SAR Academy
• Torah Academy for Girls
• Toras Emes
• Yehsiva Darchei Eres- Girls
• Yeshiva Darchei Menachem
• Yeshiva Derech Hatorah
• Yeshiva Har Torah
• Yeshiva of Flatbush
• Yeshiva Ohr Reuven
• Yeshiva Tiferes Elimelech
• Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe
• Yeshivah of Flatbush
• Yeshivat Shaare Torah Boys Elementary School
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, most recently at Schechter Manhattan where she was the Coordinator of Learning Support for 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. Deanna has mentored teachers through the Jewish New Teacher Project (JNTP), and helped to create an early literacy program at the National Center for Learning Disabilities. Deanna holds an MA as a 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 Rabbi Elisha Hus, Director of School Services at rabbihus@hiddensparks.org or 201-218-5703.