Meet Mrs. Joanna Dennis
Mrs. Dennis loves what she does. She sees her role as part teacher and part cheerleader for each one of her students. She believes deeply in every child and has a knack for helping them learn how to believe in themselves, too.
What I do
I work with students who need a little extra support and attention to thrive. We work in small groups on their skills and materials, but most of all, I help each child learn how to feel successful and proud of themselves.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I try to get to know all the children at YTCTE, not just the ones I work with. And I never miss an opportunity to incorporate lessons on manners. If we pass a faculty member, I have the students greet them with a smile and say ‘Good morning’ or ‘Good afternoon.’
My favorite part about what I do
When a child accomplishes something they never thought they could. That moment is when they start to believe in themselves, which is so important to their growth, confidence and future success.
Parting Words
There’s such a warm atmosphere at YTCTE! The people I work with are amazing. Everyone really cares about each other.
Meet Mrs. Chaya Bryna Kier
As a YTCTE alumna (she was in Morah Susan’s first nursery class!) and daughter of one of the original Roshei HaYeshiva, Mrs. Kier has a unique perspective into the Yeshiva’s past and present. Her talent for quickly grasping any project or situation and distilling information into a clear, easy to understand format is a boon for the Yeshiva’s continued growth and success.
What I do
I work behind the scenes to help the Yeshiva elevate its level of professionalism and accuracy. That includes assisting the CFO, financial reporting, and producing the projects and documents that help the Yeshiva present itself as the amazing institution it is.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I have the unique ability to understand our past while also grasping our vision for our future, making sure that the Yeshiva represents itself properly in various and ever-changing situations.
My favorite part about what I do
Not knowing what each day will bring.
Parting Words
YTCTE is in my blood! My father was one of the original Roshei HaYeshiva, and he was here for 15 years. I have fond memories of helping with the Yeshiva paper mailings as a child, along with my siblings and the Chait and Niman children. Now I’m thrilled to give back to the Yeshiva I grew up in.
Meet Mrs. Tovi Freilich
Mrs. Freilich honed her knowledge while working as a private banker for Bank Leumi in Jerusalem. Now her expertise keeps the Klurman Elementary School girls office running efficiently. Her top-notch people skills, eye for efficiency and dependable work ethic make her the perfect person to manage the office and its varied needs
What I do
Everything! I keep things running smoothly in the office and help out wherever it’s needed. Sometimes that means making copies or answering the phones. Other times I’m giving out Band-Aids and ice packs to students.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I don’t give up until I get the job done well and done right. And I always keep a smile on my face. I want the students and the teachers to feel comfortable in my office and know that I will do my very best to support them.
My favorite part about what I do
The satisfaction that comes from maintaining order in the office, the nucleus of KES, so the yeshiva can run smoothly and everyone can focus on doing what they do best.
Parting Words
I love the warm atmosphere and people I work with!
Meet Mrs. Avigayil Shaffren
Patient, personable, persistent and pragmatic. Mrs. Shaffren is the capable Educational Technology Coordinator and Coding and Robotics teacher for the Klurman Elementary School. With twenty years of experience as a computer programmer in the corporate world, as well as certification in educational technology from Touro College, Mrs. Shaffren uses her expertise to help teachers and encourage students to use the technological resources available to the fullest.
What I do
I work with our teachers to incorporate relevant technology in our curriculum, in a safe and productive way. I also teach coding and robotics to fourth, fifth and sixth graders. The last two years I have brought groups of fifth graders to the South Florida Robotics Festival. This festival is attended by many Jewish schools throughout South Florida. For many of the students, this is one of the highlights of their elementary school years.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
Coding and robotics is really so much more than just learning programming skills. It is the ability to be persistent, to try something, sometimes even a hundred times, before it works and to revel in that process.
My favorite part about what I do
To see a child’s face light up with shouts of excitement after working, sometimes for weeks on something, and finally succeeding is something that leaves me with a great feeling of satisfaction.
Parting Words
I am one of the co-founders of JEMS Academy, a school on the YTCTE campus for children with special needs. We have an incredible integration program with the students of KES. To see my fourth and fifth graders interact with these children has been a great source of joy.
Meet Mrs. Jodi Tuchinsky
The Renaissance was known for producing artists who mastered their craft. Mrs. Tuchinsky is known for producing students who have mastered Algebra. She’s determined for every child to succeed and students can’t help but do it!
What I do
I teach Advanced Math. I also help teachers with their lesson planning and any questions they have about concepts or the curriculum.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I make math relevant, enjoyable and exciting by ensuring every student’s needs are met.
My favorite part about what I do
I get to work with fantastic teachers, amazing administrators, and wonderful students.
Parting Words
My key driver is helping our students feel confident about their math abilities. I’m really proud of our math program and our teachers’ ability to address each of their student’s needs. I’m also grateful to all the staff and parents for the trust they have in me.
Meet Mrs. Rochelle Riesel
‘Creative math teacher’ may sound like an oxymoron, until you meet Mrs. Riesel. The ultimate left-brain-meets-right-brain math teacher, she can help anyone understand math! With degrees in mathematics and special education, as well as decades of teaching experience, she is a respected and successful teacher in both KES and RMS.
What I do
I make math approachable and doable for my students in all my accelerated classes in KES and RMS. How? I simplify complicated mathematical concepts so each child can understand and apply them whenever needed, including on tests.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I take pride in helping my students overcome “math anxiety,” succeed, improve their test scores and be prepared for high school. Students know they can talk to me, especially if they’re struggling. I’m always willing to adapt my lessons to help them master the material.
My favorite part about what I do
My life mission is to share knowledge of math and number sense to students so that they can succeed in whatever part of Torah life they find themselves in. At YTCTE, I get to do exactly that, so every day is rewarding. I also love the relationships I build with students and staff and seeing students form respectful relationships with their peers to collaborate on complex math conundrums.
Parting Words
It is never too late, and you are never too old to master math skills. I have helped many adults complete their requirements for post-high school work so they can move on in their careers. I could have entered many different professions including medicine, engineering and computer programming, but I am a teacher because I feel it is most important to help the children become superstars.
Meet Mrs. Racheli Grossman
Sixteen years in special and general education have equipped Mrs. Grossman with powerful insights on the best ways to teach and engage our 5th grade students. It’s a family affair for Mrs. Grossman at YTCTE – her children attend the school and her husband works across the street as the principal of our elementary Boys division.
What I do
I make learning accessible and fun for all students, even those for whom it’s often been anything but.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
My goal is to create well adjusted and empowered students. I bring positive energy wherever I go. It’s a key ingredient in helping children build their skills and confidence.
My favorite part about what I do
When a student experiences a «eureka» moment. I also love being part of such an amazing team of dedicated, professional colleagues, each a special education expert in their own unique way.
Parting Words
Building a great relationship with my students means the world to me.
Meet Mrs. Ilana Lamet
Keeping wiggly first grade boys engaged in their studies isn’t always easy, but Mrs. Lamet is always up to the challenge. She sets her students up for success by keeping the classroom structured and organized, so the focus stays on having fun while learning.
What I do
I teach reading, math and everything else first grade boys need to know, so they’re prepared for their future schooling.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I take pride in ensuring my students leave my classroom with good middos, in addition to the skills they need to thrive in reading and math.
My favorite part about what I do
I love when my students come back to say hello. It’s so rewarding to see how much they’ve grown.
Meet Mrs. Miriam Deitsch
A passionate advocate for education, Mrs. Deitsch has perfected the art of meshing leadership with teamwork. She’s actively involved in each student’s education and shines when it comes to brainstorming creative solutions to learning challenges.
What I do
I help set the coordinates that transform our girls into happy, wholesome and productive Bnos Yisroel who love learning! I handle everything from planning curriculum and special programming, to supporting our amazing teachers and students.
How I make a difference at YTCTE
I care about every one of the girls here and I want them to know how important they are to me, the teachers and the yeshiva. I take the time to get to know each girl well, so they feel that connection.
My favorite part about what I do
It’s always rewarding to find solutions for students who are struggling with something. But the best part of the journey is working toward a solution as a team. The synergy is incredible.
Parting Words
You could say I’m an alumna by marriage! My husband spent many years learning here in Bais Medrash and is currently a Rebbe in the high school.
