At the heart of Chabad Girls Academy’s commitment to excellence lies a dedication to continuous improvement and staying at the forefront of educational innovation. Recently, CGA hosted a full-day training session for its dedicated staff, providing them with creative tools and strategies to enhance their teaching styles to adapt to the evolving landscape of education.
The morning session was led by the exceptionally talented and creative teacher trainer, Mrs. Mushkie Lipsker, also known as @evergrowingeducator, who tackled a question on many educators’ minds: “Will Robots Replace Teachers?” The workshop explored the impact of technological advances, including AI, in the classroom. Through engaging debates, interactive games, and collaborative discussions with current data today, teachers delved into the skills essential for empowering students in the 21st century.
Mrs. Lipsker’s workshop was not just a theoretical exploration but a practical guide for teachers to navigate the integration of technology into their classrooms. Teachers walked away with actionable tips, such as activities to promote critical thinking, strategies for assigning genuinely creative work in the era of ChatGPT, and ways to harness technology as a tool for empowerment rather than succumbing to its potential challenges. The Rebbe has always taught us to use whatever has been created to enhance our connection to Hashem and here is how we do it, through living with the times and using technology as a tool to better enhance our teaching styles for the children of this generation.
Moreover, the workshop encouraged a shift in perspective for teachers, prompting them to reflect on the “WHAT” and “WHY” behind their teachings. Mrs. Lipsker, reflecting on her experience with CGA’s teaching staff, expressed her admiration for their growth mindset and eagerness to learn.
“I loved meeting with the staff at CGA again. They are so growth-minded and eager to learn, which are critical in today’s changing world,” Mrs. Lipsker shared. The positive atmosphere within CGA, adorned with student artwork and motivational messages, further reinforced the sense of love and dedication to education.
Post-workshop, Mrs. Lipsker was delighted to receive pictures from teachers implementing the ideas into their classrooms within just one day of the training, showcasing the immediate impact of her training.
After a delicious and specially catered lunch co-sponsored by Mendys, the afternoon session continued with Mrs. Gitty Rosenfeld, Principal of Beis Rivka Elementary School. This hands-on experience, where teachers took on the role of students, focused on maintaining engagement throughout lessons and incorporating formative and summative assessments effectively.
Mrs. Rosenfeld provided practical tools for addressing the challenge of teaching recurring concepts to our students by first finding out what the students know to then gauge what to teach them for every unit introduced to the students.
By using (KWL) K=What the learners KNOW, W=What the learner WANT to know and L=What the learner wants to LEARN. These techniques help teachers gauge students’ existing knowledge and interests, and teachers could then tailor their lessons to ensure fresh and stimulating content is being given over. Recognizing that boredom can lead to disruptive behavior, CGA places a strong emphasis on high academic standards and continuous training.
With weekly and biannual training sessions, Chabad Girls Academy ensures that its educators are equipped with the tools needed to engage every student, making the learning process enjoyable and building confidence. The commitment to excellence is not just a slogan at CGA; it’s a daily practice that ensures students receive a top-tier education in a rapidly changing world.
Statement from a teacher attending the workshop-
“I left the training day with a sense of encouragement and a new commitment to being a better teacher. Hearing from Mrs. Lipsker about technology and communication, and Mrs. Rosenfeld regarding practical classroom techniques was so informative. I learned how to teach and understand the children of today, because that is what Chabad Girls Academy is all about. Since then, I’ve incorporated skills they’ve taught into every single one of my lessons”. – Mrs. Esti Kahanov.
Chabad Girls Academy offers tours to parents interested in applying to our school. CGA looks forward to welcoming new students and continuing to provide a nurturing and exceptional educational environment for young girls from grades 5 – 8, ensuring their growth and success in all aspects of life.
Book a tour: https://forms.gle/
Register here: https://mytads.com/a/
For more information please email [email protected]
Mushky is beyond amazing!
She is so creative and interesting.