PD Builds Innovation and Teaching Excellence

Bialik teachers stay ahead of the curve to best serve our students

To be a leading, innovative Jewish day school in the Greater Toronto Area requires teachers and administrators to continually learn about and adopt new research and strategies in curriculum and students’ social-emotional development. Bialik devotes significant attention and resources to ensure the school remains at the forefront of education for students from JK to Grade 8.

Says Shoshana Taitz, Director of Curriculum: “At Bialik, we are committed to being ahead of the curve, on top of directions in education and looking at ways to constantly make ourselves better.

“We don’t stop when we think we’re doing a good job. We all know how quickly things change and how quickly we need to adapt as we build our students’ knowledge, confidence and connectedness.”

Adi Barel, Associate Director of Jewish Studies, adds: “The Bialik curriculum team works to recognize and highlight trends and skills for teachers. We focus not only on techniques, but also on values. The ultimate goal is to prepare our students for life as Jews in the Diaspora, in the 21st Century.”

“Schools are learning communities,” adds Shoshana “and PD provides ways for teachers to share their expertise and experience systematically.” PD brings new perspectives and problem-solving skills to the presentation of a challenging curriculum in a nurturing atmosphere.

Most importantly, teachers who refresh their own learning inspire academic achievement, foster critical thinking, strengthen values and ignite the joy of learning among students.

PD doesn’t just involve lectures or readings; it encompasses practice, feedback, follow-up support, trend monitoring, plus exchange of ideas and techniques. Some of the most effective learning — for teachers and academic administrators as well as students — is experiential.