Why Wait Until Seminary?

By COLlive reporter

How soon is too soon?

A new and innovative program is starting at Bais Chana High School in Worcester, Massachusetts; a 4- year course in Child Growth and Development for Chabad girls entering 9th and 10th grade.

Beginning in September 2012, this course will prepare students to teach in a private preschool and/or Chabad school setting directly after high school graduation.

COLlive.com spoke to Principal Chani Fogelman, who has 24 years of experience in education and graduated from the Israeli government-recognized Bais Rivka College in Kfar Chabad, about the new course.

Are 9th graders really ready for this?
They will grow together with the program. The course is divided into levels and categories which will be a combination of class time, research, and on-site experience. Taking one step at a time, the girls will happily progress in the course.

Is this instead of going to seminary?
No. Girls may still go to seminary or begin working right away.

What are you trying to accomplish?
Generally, students finish high school and then attend seminary. Seminaries offer girls a wonderful experience but the girls get only an overview of teaching methods, and are not prepared to walk into a classroom and properly teach. Many girls after seminary will take on-line college courses or go to Touro College to gain the necessary skills and management techniques to be teachers.

So your solution is to prepare them beforehand?
Correct. A girl who goes through our program will learn teaching skills and techniques that she can use any time in her future. It will benefit her at work and in her own home as well. I regret that I didn’t start this earlier so my daughter could enjoy this opportunity.

What is the general plan?
This is a four-year academic program with a concentration in early childhood education. Students will be expected to meet early childhood requirements in addition to the required high school courses for graduation. The early childhood option consists of academic and research hours as well as hands-on teaching in our on-site preschool. Girls will be trained in both Judaic and General Studies preschool curriculum.

What are some of the classes offered?
At the 9th Grade Level students will take Introduction to Child Psychology; How children develop and learn; Read and critique 100 children’s literature books.

10th Grade Level includes research child psychology and educational journals; Reading and summarizing assigned articles; Learn how to write lesson plans, develop teaching units, and assist the preschool teacher in the classroom.

The 11th and 12th Grade Levels will spend more time in the preschool, putting skills into action. How to set up the classroom, write newsletters, and plan interactive activities that will involve the parents of the preschoolers. Students will also be required to create a senior portfolio.

And once a girl graduates your high school, she can immediately teach in preschool after ?
Yes. At the end of the fourth year at Bais Chana High School, a student will earn a high school diploma as well as a certificate of completion for the Child Growth and Development Course. She will then be eligible to take a test through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) to get the Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) which will enable her to teach preschool in a private school and/or Chabad preschool.

Who will teach the child development classes?
They will be taught by our licensed certified preschool teacher and high school staff members, and some classes will be taught by educational consultants from nearby colleges.

Will the girls also be taking classes in Judaic Studies?
Yes. The girls are fortunate to have a full advanced Judaic curriculum taught by experienced Rabbis with many years of Chinuch experience.
Rabbi Chaim Fishman has been teaching for over 50 years, and will teach Gemara, Rashi, and Tosofos. Rabbi Michael Philips will help girls master the terms of the Tanya, mamarim and Navi as well. On Fridays Rabbi Levi Fogelman teaches his famous in-depth sichah class. The girls can say with complete understanding a sicha of the Rebbe at any Friday night table.

How about secular studies?
In addition to our Judaic Studies we have a full complement of secular teachers.

Which girls are you expecting to come to Worcester?
Any out-of-town girl who is planning to leave home to attend school in another city or state should consider the program here at Bais Chana in Worcester.

Describe the community in Worcester.
Worcester is a small, very warm, Chassidishe community. Out-of-town girls are welcomed with open arms. The students will be a member of many families as they are well aware that these girls are away from home and they feel privileged to nurture them and offer assistance.

Thanks for speaking to us. Where can people get more info?
508-752-0904, ext. 116 or email [email protected]. We are accepting applications for students entering grades 9 & 10 in September 2012.