Teachers Gather for Learning, Collaboration

This year’s system-wide educational conference on Feb. 17 was incredible, bringing more renowned national and local education experts to work with our 500 ATT teachers than ever. The Rabbi Dr. Leonard C. Mishkin Teachers Educational Conference occurs each year on Presidents’ Day and is the largest professional development (PD) gathering for ATT teachers.

The program is an opportunity for teachers to learn new ideas and methodologies in teaching, both in Judaic and general studies. Teachers are also able to collaborate with colleagues from throughout the ATT system in workshops and round table discussions. While this program is just one of many professional development opportunities for educators that the ATT offers throughout the year, the sheer number of attendees and speakers makes it the most exciting.

Chicago is the only city in North America with a system-wide umbrella organization like the ATT for all the local Jewish day schools, which makes this PD day an exciting program that is unique to our city.

Click here to see some of the national and local experts who joined us.

The response to the program was overwhelmingly positive, both from the visiting speakers and from the educators.

Speakers and partners had this to say:

“It was wonderful to be a part of and so special to see the range of educators represented. I would imagine that beneath the surface there may be tensions but to pull everyone together l’shem chinukh under one umbrella was as impressive as it was moving. Kol ha-kavod.
There is a difference between yekkeshness and professionalism yet you blended the two together beautifully in my every encounter with your office and with the program. Would that all of Jewish education functioned that way.”
Rabbi Dr. Jay Goldmintz
“It was a special experience for me seeing such a range of educators together for a day of learning, the organization and time that must have gone into the planning was apparent as things were very well thought out and coordinated – really amazing!”
Becky Udman, Love and Logic teacher

“I was so impressed with the teacher in-service! What a wonderful opportunity for all those educators to learn from a multitude of diverse presenters.” -Samantha Spolter, JCFS

“It is a privilege and a gift to be able to learn together in our close-knit group. It was great to learn from clinicians doing the work and developing specialized programs to meet the needs of our community after a tragedy. We have such a wealth of talent and knowledge in our Jewish community and I appreciate the chance to be a part of it.” -Elisa Rotman, LCSW

Participants had this to say:

“I was only signed up for the first class that Becky Udman (Love and Logic) gave and I just stayed for the others. She was truly amazing. Everything she said was so tangible and right on target.” -Lizzy Zupnik

“Thank you so much for the excellent presenters you brought in today for us teachers. They were very practical and given over so well!! We appreciate all your hard work always on our behalf.” -Elana Dubovick, Arie Crown

“Thank you for all your hard work in orchestrating what went into today! Months of preparation and endless hours of work. Job very well done, and I look forward to next year, iyH!” -Rivkie Zirkin, Yeshiva Ohr Boruch

“As I was leaving today, many teachers were commenting on how great today was. Yasher Koach on all your hard work!” -Margaret Matanky, Arie Crown

“It is a privilege and a gift to be able to learn together in our close-knit group. It was great to learn from clinicians doing the work and developing specialized programs to meet the needs of our community after a tragedy. We have such a wealth of talent and knowledge in our Jewish community, and I appreciate the chance to be a part of it. -Elisa Rotman, LCSW at Sager Solomon Schechter Day School

Courses were on topics as diverse as the speakers and teachers themselves, including topics like:

  • Preparing students to succeed in life by developing their Formative Five Success Skills – empathy, self-control, integrity, embracing diversity and grit 
  • Teaching tefillah and giving children the gift of joy in learning
  • Data-driven instruction
  • Auditory processing disorders in the classroom
  • Prerequisites to connect with students
  • Differentiated instruction in Judaic studies
  • Holocaust education
  • Partnering with parents
  • and more