Natalie Aroubus, Hebrew Studies Teacher, Kindergarten
Education & Training
BA, Hunter College
I became a teacher because...
I am a teacher because I enjoy helping children find success. I want my students to experience meaningful, interesting learning that applies to their lives. My teachers had a great impact on my life and success and I would like to do the same for my students.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning...
When my family immigrated to America from Israel I was in first grade. My first grade English teacher was determined to teach me the language. She took those extra minutes every day to sit with me separately and teach me everything from the base. My teacher was successful because she taught with patience and compassion. I will never forget my first grade teacher because I speak, read and write English today because of her.
I joined HLA because...
I joined HLA because I love the concept of integrating Hebrew as a language into the daily curriculum to a diversity of children. I have watched this concept become a reality this year and I want to be a part of it.
My vision for our children at HLA...
I want to see my students enjoy learning the Hebrew language and have the confidence to speak fluently in their environment.
Livia Ashkenazi, Hebrew Studies Teacher, Grade On
Education & Training
BA, Talpiyot (Israel)
I became a teacher because…
I became a teacher because I believe that as adults we can have a great positive impact on the younger generation, just as they can have a positive impact on us. We all cherish life and want to make it better for all; therefore I believe that the younger generation has the power to make the world a better place and we, the teachers, are here to provide them the tools.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
My favorite memory is from my own experiences teaching kindergarten. In Israel we celebrate Family day. Family day at my school was a very special and exciting day for me, for my children and for their families. We just finished our music theme in our class and decided to make an exhibit about music instruments. The children and their family members were told to bring all kinds of materials (especially recycled materials because it was a running theme in our class during the year) to create their own music instrument and present it. I believe that the Child-Parent-Teacher connection is vital for all. Our school was located next to a field so we decided after the music-art project to go on a field trip and to have family sport games at the field. It was a big success and we all enjoyed being together. Then we went back, sang songs and ended the day with happiness and music in the air.
I joined HLA because…
I joined the Hebrew Language Academy because I speak Hebrew and I want children and people from all over the world to be familiar with Hebrew. I believe that the language is becoming more popular due to Israel playing a big role on the world stage. I was born in Denmark, grew up in Israel, currently live in the US and speak three languages. I believe that to know more than one language is a privilege and an advantage.
My vision for our children at HLA…
My vision for my students at HLA is to assist them in becoming moral persons with great values and to be successful academically.
Elena Canaras, Special Education Teacher
Education & Training
BA, SUNY Plattsburgh
MA, Bank Street College
I became a teacher because…
As a child, I had a rough time learning and felt that I wasn't "as smart" as the rest of my peers. No child should ever feel that they aren't "good enough." Children should be inspired to make an impact and contribute to the society by building on their individual talents and skills. I trained in special education and became the teacher that I felt I never had in elementary school.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
In kindergarten, we were learning about dimes and were directed to color in two pictures of a dime. My kindergarten teacher told us that we had to color in the lines and then later cut out the dimes. I didn't understand why we would have to color in the lines so perfectly if we were just going to end up cutting the pictures out and so I proceeded to color outside of the lines. The kindergarten teacher was not happy and made me start all over again. This was when I realized the importance of purpose.
I joined HLA because…
I like the fact that HLA is a brand new school that challenges the way people typically view a school and its success. I feel lucky and eager to be a part of this movement.
My vision for our children at HLA…
I envision the students embracing cultural diversity within their studies and interactions. I strive to help them develop inquistive minds and work together as a community.
Alan Cohen, Kindergarten, General Studies Teacher
Education & Training
BA, New York University
MA, Brooklyn College Graduate School of Education
I became a teacher because…
I have very strong, positive memories of my childhood. I always enjoyed playing with children, especially my nieces and nephews, as they were growing up, and some of my favorite experiences were when I was a counselor at day and sleepaway camps.
I originally pursued a career in accounting and computers because I didn't make the connection of translating my love for working with children into a career. After 8 years in royalty accounting, I finally made the connection, shifted my career goals and am now excited to bring my experiences to HLA!
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
I don't know that I have a particular favorite memory, however, all of my prior jobs, which were in early learning centers, involved the transformation of a barren or low performing classroom into one that is thriving and high functioning. I like the idea of building from scratch, of starting up, which is an important part of HLA this year.
I joined HLA because…
I am an early childhood teacher who is secular and has a strong knowledge and love of the Hebrew language and culture. I live in Sheepshead Bay, which is relatively close to the school. HLA seems to have been tailor-made for me! I also feel that it's important to give back to the community in which I live by helping strengthen the learning institutions in the area.
My vision for our children at HLA…
I would like the children to develop a love and enthusiasm for learning, to not be shy to ask about and probe the world around them, to be open minded, to have the understanding that knowledge comes from everywhere, to "thrive," and to have fun while doing it!
Sarit Delouya, Hebrew Studies teacher, First Grade
Education & Training
BA, Oranim College (Israel)
I became a teacher because…
I became a teacher because I love children. When I was a child, I always taught other children and always wanted to be a teacher. It was my dream to help other children.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
I had a great teacher who spoke to our class through the eyes of a child. She taught us Hebrew grammar and prepared us for the final exam.
I joined HLA because…
HLA has a great combination of Hebrew/English learning. This was a dream come true for me because I am able to teach and speak Hebrew in New York.
My vision for our children at HLA…
I want my students to speak Hebrew naturally, in their environment, especially those without a Hebrew background.
Brooke Feingold,
Education & Training
BA, Brandeis University
MA, Hofstra University
Specialized Study, NYS Permanent Certification Prek-6, Elementary Education
I became a teacher because…
I became a teacher because I have always loved learning and sharing my knowledge with others. The basic job description of an educator is to help students learn, but often it is the students who are the ones who impart knowledge onto the teacher.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
My favorite memory is from elementary school. I was in an innovative class made up of third, fourth, and fifth graders called the Interage which had three teachers. For certain times periods during the day, students were allowed to choose a topic of study which interested them and take that class. Students were allowed to teach these classes and a friend and myself taught a novel study about the book Mr. Popper's Penguins. I remember really enjoying being the teacher and sharing the reading experience with other students.
I joined HLA because…
I joined HLA because of the unique education model. I am excited to be involved in a school which demonstrates so much dedication, involvement, and commitment from the people who work there and which expects the same from students and parents.
My vision for our children at HLA…
My vision for my students at HLA is to make them into lifelong learners and readers. I have always loved to read and I think that enjoyment should be shared with children by reading to them everyday.
Yaron Galzur, Hebrew Studies teacher, First Grade
Education & Training
BA, Hunter College
MA, Hunter College
I became a teacher because…
I became a teacher to make a difference in the world. We have too many conflicts going on in the world because of the lack of education. I believe through education, children will become better persons and citizens.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
My favorite memory is from when I returned to the first-grade classroom where I student-taught. The children were so excited that they got out of their chairs and came to greet me. The fact that they all remembered me and were thrilled to see me made me realize that I had been able to influence their lives even though I was only the student teacher.
I joined HLA because…
I joined the HLA team because I strongly believe in the school’s mission. Teaching students the Hebrew language together with Hebrew culture will give students a great opportunity to learn about this fascinating culture, which also happens to be a part of who I am.
My vision for our children at HLA…
I envision that all of my students will take great interest in learning Hebrew, become fluent Hebrew speakers, and continue to pursue the language in their later years.
Nitzan Graham, Kindergarten, Hebrew Language Teacher
Education & Training
BA, Adelphi University
MA, Adelphi University
I became a teacher because…
I became a teacher because as a student, I learned that a teacher can either help a student grow and strive to become a better human being or wilt and fade. I plan to help our students grow into caring and successful human beings.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
I love when a student "takes the ball and runs with it," owning and being in control of what I taught him or her! There is no better feeling.
I joined HLA because…
I think that at our core, all humans share common ideals. We want to go to work in the morning and see the sun shining on our children's faces and to come home, knowing that our family is safe. I believe that when we discover how much we all have in common, we'll stop being so angry with each other. That is why I welcome the opportunity to teach at this school where cultural diversity and respect is central to our mission.
My vision for our children at HLA…
Tehila Ioinovitch, Kindergarten, Hebrew Language Teacher
Education & Training
BA, Adelphi University
MA, Adelphi University
I became a teacher because…
I became a teacher because as a student, I learned that a teacher can either help a student grow and strive to become a better human being or wilt and fade. I plan to help our students grow into caring and successful human beings.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
I love when a student "takes the ball and runs with it," owning and being in control of what I taught him or her! There is no better feeling.
I joined HLA because…
I think that at our core, all humans share common ideals. We want to go to work in the morning and see the sun shining on our children's faces and to come home, knowing that our family is safe. I believe that when we discover how much we all have in common, we'll stop being so angry with each other. That is why I welcome the opportunity to teach at this school where cultural diversity and respect is central to our mission.
My vision for our children at HLA…
I want my students to realize that in diversity, we have strength.
Ben Kintisch, Music Teacher
Education & Training
BA, Brown University
MSM (Masters in Sacred Music), Jewish Theological Seminary America
I became a teacher because…
When I was a little boy I was inspired to love music by a wonderful music teacher in elementary school. As I grew up, a number of other great music teachers taught me to love choral singing and instrumental music. I hope to inspire the children of HLA to sing, dance, and make music now, during their school days, and for the rest of their lives.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
I have so many fond memories of singing and dancing at my own elementary school. I remember when we first got up on stage to perform as a Kindergarten class, singing and dancing as little birds. We had made our costumes, learned the song and the dance moves, and practiced together. It was the first of many joyous music performance experiences at school.
I joined HLA because…
I knew I wanted to teach music following completion of my graduate degree. I read about Hebrew Language Academy and was fascinated about what the school was doing. Since I was a skilled song leader and I also knew some Hebrew, I decided to apply. The rest is musical history!
My vision for our children at HLA…
I hope for my students to grow up in a school environment infused with music. During music class, students will learn how to sing in English and Hebrew, dance, and play rhythm instruments. As I build the music program, I hope to bring more school-wide performances to our community.
As part of our school community's commitment to service learning, I have taken two classes to Beth Israel Medical Center to perform for hospital patients, visitors, and staff. I hope to continue this relationship for years to come, bringing the healing power of music to people at the hospital. Of course, this experience is wonderful for the kids, too. They learn about rehearsing and preparing for a performance. They make and deliver get well cards to the patients. They are proud of how they make a positive impact on others with their musical talents.
Lastly, Brooklyn is a wonderful place to raise a family, and it's full of musical opportunities beyond the classroom. I will be sending to families a "Brooklyn Musical Resources" list to alert families of these many opportunities. Please feel free to contact me at HLA with any questions or concerns about music in and out of school.
Shira Lichtbroun, Kindergarten, General Studies Teacher
Education & Training
BA, Rutgers University
MS, Bank Street College of Education
Early Childhood/Special Education
I became a teacher because…
I became an Early Childhood teacher because I love being part of the academic and social developmental stages that arise in the early years. In the early school years children are just beginning to put pen to paper. They are not only beginning to learn to read and write sentences, but they are also developing their social skills. By the end of the school year I will be proud of their academic and social growth development, as they will be well prepared for 1st grade.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
My favorite memory from teaching and learning is working with a child with learning disabilities. He could not keep up with the class as they progressed through the year. However, after working with him one on one and altering my teaching methods, I saw major success. Each day it gives me great pleasure to walk into the classroom and be greeted by the smiles of the students. The closeness that developed with the learning disabled student who finally achieved success and began to feel like part of the classroom is my greatest achievement.
I joined HLA because…
I joined HLA because of its diversity and I am eager to take part in the dual curriculum program. I myself attended schools from K-12 where both English and Hebrew were taught. As I have traveled to Israel several times, I look forward to incorporating the Israeli culture into the curriculum.
My vision for our children at HLA…
My vision for our children at HLA is for them to enjoy coming to school each day. Learning should be multidisciplinary, resulting in learning from many different avenues, such as games, trips, art, songs, reading and writing. Children should reach their potential, while enjoying each step it takes to get there. I cannot wait to take this journey with them.
Nikki Lowell, First Grade, General Studies Teacher
Education & Training
BA, Education, Manhattanville College
Double Major: Childhood Education/ Psychology
Minor: Music
I became a teacher because…
I had an amazing experience throughout my elementary education. I loved going to school each day. I became a teacher because it is my goal to create an environment that makes my students feel the same.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
My favorite memory from my own educational experience is from second grade. I had a teacher who was so enthusiastic it was infectious. Every day at school was a new surprise!
I joined HLA because…
I joined HLA because I really like working in such a supportive and collaborative school.
My vision for our children at HLA…
My vision for my students at HLA is that they gain the tools to become responsible and respectable adults with a drive for learning.
Coelette Martindale, First Grade, General Studies Teacher
Education & Training
BA, Stony Brook University
MA, Brooklyn College
I became a teacher because…
Teaching has always been my passion, and now I have an opportunity to give back to my community by teaching at HLA. My passion for teaching centers around helping children realize their individual potential and attain a bright and successful future.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
Education has impacted my life by opening my mind to many things. It has helped me to understand other cultures, ethnicities, languages, art forms, social behaviors, and more. My best educational experience was during my undergraduate study at Stony Brook University where I achieved my biggest goal at the time—becoming the first member of my family to graduate from college—and set an example for the younger children in my family.
I joined HLA because…
I joined HLA because I think that the idea of creating a dual langugae school in my hometown (Brooklyn) is very exciting. I am happy to be a part of this dual language movement that will educate children of all backgrounds about Hebrew culture as well as provide them with a general education. I joined HLA to help give the children the basic educational foundation that they need to be productive in life.
My vision for our children at HLA…
My vision for my students at HLA is for all of them to become fluent Hebrew speakers, fluent readers, and to have a good understanding of the math, science, and social studies concepts presented to them. I want to push for all of my students to attain high levels of achievement in all that they do.
Rachel Mayberg, Hebrew Studies Teacher, Grade One
Education & Training
MA, Walden University
BA, Empire State College SUNYA
University of Haifa, Oranim, Israel.
I became a teacher because…
I have a passion for teaching and working to educate students. I have a strong sense of enthusiasm and empathy for children.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
My favorite memory was when my students asked me if I could read and act out a story which they particularly enjoyed. I then asked the students to help me read the story and act out the scenes, while adding their own words to it. This activity brought a lot of joy to the students and me, while developing the creative skills of the children.
I joined HLA because…
I was fascinated by the idea of teaching Hebrew in a new, exciting setting. This is a great opportunity to develop the learning and linguistic skills of students from diverse backgrounds. I am excited to help young students learn this beautiful language.
My vision for our children at HLA…
I would like my students to become curious and develop a love to the Hebrew language. I plan on helping them grow and succeed in an intellectually stimulating atmosphere.
Natalie Reiss, Kindergarten, General Studies Teacher
Education & Training
BA, CUNY College of Staten Island
I became a teacher because…
I have wanted to become a teacher for as long as I can remember. I love working with children and I enjoy watching them grow. I would love to be a reason why children WANT to go to school! On a more personal note, I have a child of my own and I know what it feels like to be a parent and worry about what your child is doing throughout the day. I can take those feelings with me into the classroom and put parents’ minds at ease. As a teacher, I want to help each child feel important and let them know that they can make a difference in the world.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
My favorite memory is when I realized (right about the time that I was in high school) that education is not just about going to school and learning from textbooks. I realized that education can be related to life experiences. At that point, I went from just being a student to being a life-long learner. Learning never stops, and this is something that I would like to pass along to my students.
I joined HLA because…
I joined HLA because I want to be a part of a school that feels like a community and a family. HLA brings people from all different walks of life together. I also joined because the school really puts the needs of the children first. I like the fact that it is a brand new school and that I am a part of a team that is creating a wonderful environment for our students.
My vision for our children at HLA…
I want my students to walk out of my classroom feeling balanced in all aspects of their lives. I want them to leave with excellent academic accomplishments, as well as a sense of love for school and learning.
Allyson Rotunno, School Social Worker
Education & Training
BA, State University of New York at New Paltz
MA, Fordham University, Lincoln Center
I chose to work in education because…
I chose to work in education because elementary school is where children will spend some of the most important years of their development and growth. I also understand that growing up is not easy and there are many factors conspiring against our children that make it hard for them to get through the school day.
I joined HLA because…
I love the idea of children learning another language and culture from such a young age. In my life, I wish I had had such an opportunity. I also love the idea that because it is a start up school, we as a staff are able to be creative and build what we wish to see. The service learning component is great as well.
My vision for our children at HLA…
I envision children who are caring, empathetic, multilingual and interested in learning about the world as well as being an influential part of it.
Qayyim Shabazz, Physical Education
Education & Training
BA, Long Island University/ CW Post
I became a teacher because…
For several years, I worked with nonprofit organizations that serve children in low-income communities. When I graduated from college, I began teaching as a substitute for New York City public schools. I immediately fell in love with teaching and now focus on physical education instruction.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
My favorite educational memory is from college. I will never forget walking across the stage to receive my diploma and how proud my family was when I graduated.
I joined HLA because…
I joined HLA because I believe in the school’s mission. It is exciting to be part of a new school because the opportunities for achievement are immense!
My vision for our children at HLA…
We live in a society that is very diverse, and that diversity is reflected in our community. I envision my HLA students using this diverse learning experience to guide their future endeavors throughout life.
Joelle Villani, First Grade, General Studies Teacher
Education & Training
BA, College of Staten Island
MA, St. John's University
I became a teacher because…
I want to impact the lives of children and their parents. I also want to give back to the community that helped make me the person I am today.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
My favorite memory of education was in middle school. This is where I learned to accept myself as an individual and accept others for their differences. Middle school was also the time when I met the people I am still friends with today.
I joined HLA because…
I joined the Hebrew Language Academy because I want to be part of a team of individuals who truly love children and education, and it is clear to me that my colleagues share this ideal.
My vision for our children at HLA…
My vision for my students is that they become joyful learners who look forward to coming to school everyday. Also, I hope that my students have a sense of belonging to our "family" and classroom. I truly want HLA to be their "home away from home."
Elana Weinberg, Kindergarten, Hebrew Language Teacher
Education & Training
BA, Hebrew University
MA, City College
I became a teacher because…
I love working with children and love providing them with a warm and nurturing environment that facilitates learning. I have vivid childhood memories of certain teachers who always made me feel special and for whom I would successfully complete a task, even if it did not come easily. I also have memories of the teachers who did not know me and who made learning a chore. I learned early on how much a teacher can affect a child's learning experience. I decided that I wanted to try to emulate the teacher who had so positively affected me. There is nothing more exciting than seeing the face of a child when he or she achieves a task they previously couldn't acomplish. I love the way children think and really feel that I learn as much from them as they learn from me.
My favorite memory from teaching and learning…
Many years ago, I had a child in my class who loved music and dance. I enjoyed watching her enthusiasm in class when I played the guitar. I must have spoken to this child's mother about facilitating and encouraging her daughter’s love of music. I don't recall these exact conversations, but fifteen years later, this same girl, now a young lady, came to my classroom and thanked me for having encouraged her mother to give her music and dance lessons. She had decided to major in dance and was now a dancer. I rarely have the opportunity to see all of the children I have taught when they are grown, and don't know what it is they recall from preschool, but I will never forget how rewarding it was to encounter this young woman who felt that one of the reasons she had for choosing her path in life, began in preschool.
I joined HLA because…
HLA is a very exciting undertaking. Though there will likely be many challenges and hurdles to overcome, the opportunity to teach children Hebrew in a partial-immersion environment is a rare chance. I am also very excited about the diversity of the student body attending this school. HLA will enable children from the range of American backgrounds to learn about Hebrew culture and language
My vision for our children at HLA…
It is my hope that every child will love coming to school and learn through fun and enriching experiences. I can't wait until the end of this year when many of the children who entered the classroom not speaking a word of Hebrew will be able to understand and communicate in a way they couln't have imagined at the beginning of the year.
Natalie Zadok Hebrew Teacher, Grade One
Education & Training
BA, Touro College, School of Human Services
MA, Touro College, School of Psychology & Special Education
I became a teacher because…
As a teacher I believe that I am playing a significant role in shaping children's learning, play, academics, and emotional development. I am proud to hold such an essential position in their lives.
I joined HLA because….
I have a genuine love for the Hebrew language and all of the cultural, artistic, and historical components associated with Israel and its native language origins.
My vision for our children at HLA…
I would love to see the students at HLA enjoy an enriched Hebrew/English curriculum that will expand their developmental process to the fullest.