Meet Ms. Aliza Palgon
Ms. Palgon is passionate about teaching reading and writing in real-world contexts and came to RMS after teaching in high schools locally and out-of-state. Creative and committed, she is a talented poet and runs a private recording studio as well. Ms. Palgon has a Master’s Degree in English Education from Columbia University and received Teaching Certification in Florida, New York and Arizona.
What I do
I teach sixth grade Humanities which is the merging of English Language Arts and Social Studies. I primarily utilize the Reading and Writing Workshop model of education and try to give over my passion to my middle school students. I also teach SOS – a foundational Skills of Success class to help sixth grade students, at this important stage, successfully transition to middle school.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
My goal is to help young people develop the ability to critically read and analyze the world around them so that they can make choices with wisdom and integrity. I help my students, even those who previously hated to read or write, discover a love for reading and writing. I get them to see the ways that our understanding of history and literature can impact our lives.
My favorite part about what I do
I try to create a culture where kids love to read and take pride in their work. It’s those moments when students want to keep reading, or keep working on their writing, because it has become meaningful to them personally, that makes it all worth it.
Parting Words
I love being part of a team that consistently shows a serious commitment to students’ academic and personal growth.
Meet Mrs. Rivka Goldberg
Mrs. Goldberg joined the KES team after spending 10 years as a classroom teacher and behavioral therapist. She has a Master’s Degree in General and Special Education with a focus on Multiple Disabilities. Mrs. Goldberg has the ability to patiently connect with each student and find creative ways to help them succeed using their own unique strengths and abilities.
What I do
As the Director of Student Support, I help students navigate different challenges that come up over the course of the day, whether socially, emotionally or academically. My goal is to empower them to believe in themselves, tap into their unique talents and be the best version of themselves.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I love to inspire kids to think beyond their comfort zones and challenge them to reach their fullest potential. Teach them to have grit and perseverance and never give up! I am there to cheer them on and encourage them that there is nothing they can’t do!
My favorite part about what I do
I love watching my students smile and how proud they feel of themselves when they overcome a challenge. You know that “a-ha” moment when a child finally gets something or comes up with a brilliant idea of their own? It’s priceless. Sometimes it takes a long time to get there, but it is always worth the effort.
Parting Words
I love working and collaborating with such an amazing team of professionals. The warmth and love is felt throughout the school. Everyone has the same goal, making sure every student is happy and their needs are met academically, socially and emotionally.
Meet Mrs. Laurie Cusco
An expert at kinaesthetic learning, Mrs. Cusco’s classroom is always full of excitement as she engages all types of learners through her hands-on approach and flexible teaching style. She is a teamplayer who has the ability to differentiate learning to suit each child’s learning needs and works to build relationships with each one of them.Mrs. Cusco has experience teaching in both public and private schools and is a certified reading and ESOL teacher.
What I do
I co-teach second grade general studies with a fellow instructor enabling us to create a differentiated learning classroom that provides new and improved teaching and learning processes. My goal is to create excitement in the classroom and engage my students through kinaesthetic learning
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I am still excited about teaching and feel that my students pick up on this energy and therefore are excited to come to school. Also by designing a differentiated learning process for each individual student, they can reach their personal best and feel good about their success.
My favorite part about what I do
I love getting to try out new strategies and have a co-teacher to share my ideas (and my challenges!).
Parting Words
Building relationships is key. Without connection, we won’t be successful.
Meet Mrs. Shara Netkin
For Mrs. Netkin, it’s all about the students, and her student-centered approach is evident in her engaging and relatable lessons. With Master’s degrees in general and special education as well as educational leadership and over two decades of classroom experience, she is an expert at incorporating her training in Facing History and Ourselves as well as The Writing Revolution in the classroom to make each class relevant and productive. Mrs. Netkin’s enthusiasm is contagious and her dedication and sense of responsibility make her a valuable team member.
What I do
I teach Humanities in the Rohr Middle School where I have the opportunity to combine my passions for teaching history as well as reading and writing. My goal is to help students develop a love of reading, writing, and thinking and help them connect to history so they can understand the world in which they live.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I make students think independently and have the good fortune of seeing students’ growth from the beginning of the year through the end.
My favorite part about what I do
I love how, as a teacher, every day is a new experience. It is gratifying to see my students, on the cusp of adulthood, meet success and rise to the challenges they encounter.
Parting Words
I enjoy having the opportunity to use the skills Hashem gave me to help other people in my life.
Meet Mrs. Sheryl Rosenthal
Learning can be fun, and it certainly is in Morah Sheryl’s classroom where students learn through play and exploration in a warm and nurturing environment. With over a decade of experience and certification specializing in teaching our youngest students, Morah Sheryl’s excellent classroom management skills coupled with her positivity, sets her class up for success.
What I do
Kindergarten is a special year, and as the general studies Morah I get an inside view of the children as they transform from preschool to first grade ready students. I teach them the foundations and guide them as they develop into emergent readers by the year’s end.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I focus on understanding each child’s different needs and abilities and adapt the classroom to make sure they all can learn and enjoy their learning. I want them to see that learning is fun!
My favorite part about what I do
Watching each child progress through the year fills me with pride, but seeing them recognize their success and take pride in their own accomplishments is pure joy!
Parting Words
I firmly believe that for an educator to succeed, they need to create a loving and positive environment. I see that environment every day in YTCTE and am grateful to be a part of it.
Meet Mrs. Yael Salem
Passionate, empathic and creative, Mrs. Salem’s committed to the success of each student. A licensed marriage and family therapist and special education teacher, she helps students become enthusiastic and successful lifelong learners. Mrs. Salem previously taught in Scheck Hillel and is involved in the local JCC.
What I do
I teach third grade girls general studies and help them really connect with their learning.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
By working as part of a team, and collaborating with the community to help raise the next generation, we are making a lasting difference.
My favorite part about what I do
I love being with kids and seeing them grasp difficult concepts, building resilience along the way.
Parting Words
It is a tremendous opportunity to teach in a Yeshiva that shares our Torah values.
Meet Mrs. Caroline Weisman.
Mrs. Weisman came to YTCTE with training and experience in a variety of school environments, navigating both office and classroom needs. She has taught high school and junior high and has managed the front office in other schools before relocating to Miami. Her excellent communication skills, engaging personality, and enhanced writing skills, have made her a natural fit for the RMS office.
What I do
I work as an administrative assistant in the busy Rohr Middle School office. I help record attendance, set up meeting rooms, get the students and teachers whatever they need, help organize events, and ensure that the office runs efficiently and everyone, (even middle school boys!) are happy and have the resources they need to succeed every day.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I am a team player who tries to lift others up by being flexible, efficient and positive so that the Yeshiva can run smoothly.
My favorite part about what I do
I love meeting new people and developing relationships with them as I learn new skills as part of this great team.
Parting Words
Having taught middle school in Toras Emes of Los Angeles (no relation to YTCTE!) I have a deep understanding of the needs of middle school students and their teachers. I try to meet those needs in the office.
Meet Mrs. Mazal Fields
With an inquisitive mind and a detail oriented personality, Mrs. Fields tackles every project with energy and excitement. She has a Master’s Degree in International Economics and Finance and a diverse background as a financial analyst, advisor and recruiter. Mrs. Fields works together with the Chief Administrative Officer to ensure successful implementation of financial and administrative projects.
What I do
My role is very versatile, and that keeps things exciting and challenging. It involves partaking in a myriad of operational and financial aspects of the Yeshiva such as scholarships, purchasing, grants, medical records and health benefits.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I’m committed to helping families find the scholarships they need so that more children can attend our school and benefit from the beautiful values and strong education we provide.
My favorite part about what I do
My life’s mission is to live a Torah life joyfully, raise children who achieve their fullest potential and finally to make a positive difference in this world. By working in the Yeshiva, securing financial assistance, and keeping things running smoothly, I have the opportunity to make a difference every day.
Parting Words
It is the staff of YTCTE and the mission behind the Yeshiva that makes me proud to be here.
Meet Ms. Lubin
The soft smile ever present on Ms. Lubin’s face is just one of the many facets of her warm and empathetic personality that endears her to her students and colleagues. She puts her degree in communication to good use and has become respected as an excellent and patient listener who truly cares about each of her students.
What I do
I am an assistant teacher in first grade. I help the amazing lead teacher and try to make every child feel important and special – because they are!
How I make a difference at YTCTE
It is important to me that I show up with a positive attitude and a desire to help my students every day. The children pick up on my positivity and absorb their lessons better as a result. I know I am making a difference one person at a time.
My favorite part about what I do
It is amazing to come to school every day knowing that I can have a meaningful impact on the future generation. I also cherish my position which gives me the opportunity to be both a teacher and a student at the same time.
Parting Words
Joining YTCTE has given me a chance to continue building my skills and get involved in a new culture and community.
