Meet Mrs. Dara Lubin
Learning to read – and to love it – is an invaluable life skill. For students who need a little extra attention, there’s no better guide than Mrs. Lubin. From her unfailing patience and palpable love for every student in her classroom, to her 19 years of experience as a reading specialist, students can’t help but fall in love with the written word. A Lindamood Bell certified reading specialist, with certifications in Fundations and Orton Gillingham, Mrs. Lubin earned her M.S. in Education at Nova Southeastern University.
What I do
I’m an ACE teacher for Secular Studies. I help students who need additional attention with their reading, spelling, comprehension, writing and math. In the past, I’ve also taught a Language Arts self-inclusion class.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
Everything I do is part of a team effort. I’m privileged to work with a devoted, passionate team of educators. Together we help nurture our student’s confidence.
My favorite part about what I do
I love seeing the change in my students as they grow academically and emotionally. It’s exciting to watch as their confidence skyrockets and they develop a genuine love and excitement to continue learning.
Parting Words
After running a learning center for 10 years, I was ready for a change of pace. When my children started attending YTCTE, there was an opening. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect!
Meet Mrs. Maxine Erving
With over 40 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Erving knows how to connect with her students. She’s adept at adapting the curriculum to meet the needs of every child in her class, while creating a fun, supportive atmosphere of learning, sharing and participation.
What I do
I teach a variety of math classes in Grades 6-8, culminating in pre-algebra for my eighth grade students.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I take pride in my ability to reach students on a level they understand. Every child needs to be seen as an individual and treated accordingly.
My favorite part about what I do
When I see a student come around and display pride in their work, it is so gratifying.
Parting Words
The administration had a lot to do with my decision to join YTCTE. I found them so warm and welcoming. Once I began teaching at RMS, I felt I had finally come ‘home.’
Meet Mrs. Julia Zaidenberg
There are a lot of questions during the admission process, but Mrs. Zaidenberg answers them all and makes the entire experience easy and enjoyable. Her incredible attention to detail and friendly, approachable demeanor are the perfect way to give families a glimpse of what they can look forward to during their time at YTCTE!
What I do
I walk parents through the admission process, from their initial application to registering their children.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I show prospective parents what YTCTE has to offer as a school for their child and bring new families to help grow our school.
My favorite part about what I do
Hearing parents say how happy they are with YTCTE and that their children are flourishing.
Parting Words
I love getting the chance to meet new families every day!
Meet Mrs. Devorah Schwartz
The consummate book lover, Mrs. Schwartz delights in teaching her students multiple subjects, including the fine art of fully immersing oneself in a book. She knows how to make learning exciting and accessible for every child in her classroom.
What I do
I teach reading enrichment, including fluency and comprehension. But most importantly, I keep my students engaged and interested in the learning process.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I’m proud to be part of a strong team of teachers. We all work tirelessly to make sure our students are well prepared to continue on in elementary school.
My favorite part about what I do
Seeing my students progress from beginning readers to fluent ones. The transformation is so rewarding!
Parting Words
The camaraderie between the staff at YTCTE is amazing. When I first visited, so many staff members made a point of greeting me and introducing themselves. That warmth extends to the students and families, too.
Meet Mrs. Chava Pomerantz
Sometimes life happens and a teacher can’t make it to class. On those days, Mrs. Pomerantz is quick to step in and maintain the structure for the students in our Esformes Early Childhood Center division. She loves children, and her fun, creative and playful approach to learning keeps students engaged all day long.
What I do
I take over a class in a teacher’s absence, so our students can have a consistent, uninterrupted learning experience.
My favorite part about what I do
I never know what my day will bring! Some of the most rewarding moments come when I’m teaching new material and it connects with a child. Watching their faces light up with understanding is the best feeling ever.
Meet Mrs. Mimi Serle
Efficient, energetic and friendly, it’s easy to understand why Mrs. Serle is a pro at keeping things organized at the elementary school’s girls division. She transitions seamlessly between juggling administrative tasks and helping teachers, parents and students find the answers they need.
What I do
I work closely with the teachers and administrators to help with programming and scheduling different events. I also oversee many of the larger projects, like Shushan Purim, graduation, trips, etc.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I make staff, families and students feel confident that their needs will be taken care of. They know they’re in good hands with me.
My favorite part about what I do
Seeing the girls and their families enjoying activities we’ve planned is so rewarding. The feeling of pride and accomplishment after an event is finished is indescribable. I also love working with so many different personalities.
Parting Words
Each year I look for opportunities to kick things up a notch – make events more exciting, more unique – while also finding ways to help things run even more efficiently.
Meet Mrs. Shiffy Goldberger
A YTCTE alumna whose children now attend the school, Mrs. Goldberger is everything you could hope for in a school psychologist. She’s patient, calm, understanding and deeply knowledgeable about child development. When behavioral issues arise, she’s a supportive, stabilizing force who helps clarify next steps.
What I do
I’m the School Psychologist for the Preschool. There’s a lot that goes into that. I meet with parents and teachers to discuss social, emotional, and development concerns, and I do social skills training in the classroom. When needed, I also refer parents to resources in the community for further support.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I am very passionate about supporting children during their formative years of development. A big part of that is setting teachers and parents up to succeed, too. I help support teachers and parents in their teaching and parenting journeys during these critical years in each child’s growth.
My favorite part about what I do
I feel rewarded when I’m able to make a small difference in the trajectory of a child’s development. Seeing the beautiful smiles on each child’s face is such a wonderful experience!
Parting Words
I wanted to make a difference for Jewish children in our community. Now I get to do that and be part of an amazing supportive team at YTCTE. Every day, I’m thrilled to see the people I work with.
Meet Mrs. Miriam Porter
For our Pre-K students, it doesn’t get much better than being in a classroom with Mrs. Porter. Her calm, easygoing nature and nurturing warmth endear her to the children. She’s always overflowing with encouragement and fun ideas for helping students develop their love for Yiddishkeit.
What I do
I teach children Aleph Beis, Middos and Parsha through engaging lessons, hands on activities and a lot of positivity!
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I make sure my classroom is a warm, happy place where children feel nurtured and excited about learning.
My favorite part about what I do
Incorporating arts and crafts into the lessons! I love planning creative projects where the children can tap into their creativity and get ‘hands on’ with the material they’re learning.
Parting Words
To teach and nurture – those goals drive me in everything that I do.
Meet Mrs. Raizy Greenberg
‘Anything is possible if you try’ could be Mrs. Greenberg’s mantra. A firm believer in the power of mindset and every child’s ability to improve, she encourages each student to recognize their potential and embrace every growth and learning opportunity they encounter.
What I do
I use math, reading and writing to inspire my boys to be lifelong learners who contribute to others.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I teach my first graders all about Growth Mindset. Forget the outdated idea that we’re all born with fixed talents! I help the boys see that with hard work and dedication, they can develop their abilities. That realization builds their resilience and confidence, which sets them up for success in life.
My favorite part about what I do
I love watching my students tackle something challenging and not give up!
Parting Words
I joined YTCTE after seeing how much my own children love the school. It’s been such a warm, rewarding experience for our family. I knew I wanted to be a bigger part of it! Now I love that I get to work in an environment with such professional, growth oriented and passionate people.
