|
Parents,
I'm proud to share that several of our educators will assume new roles for the upcoming year, bringing with them years of experience, enthusiasm and a love for educating Akiba students.
Orly Fass is taking 20 years of experience in teaching and academia and putting it to work in a new combined role. As a K-8 Pedagogical Coordinator, she will coach faculty on 21st century instructional methodologies. As a Jewish History teacher, she will bring her social studies and Judaic Studies expertise to our middle school students. Orly holds a master's degree in Jewish Education from Siegal College of Judaic Studies. She also recently completed a master's degree in teacher leadership from Brandeis University.
As lead teacher for one of our Early Childhood Program's Nitzanim classes, Emily Prengler will rely on her strong background educating preschool and elementary school students. Last year, Emily was a kindergarten assistant working with teacher Jennifer Squires. Previously, Emily taught a first and second grades mixed-age class for a school in the Dallas Independent School District. Prior to that, she spent time as a lead teacher in the Akiba Early Childhood Program. Emily holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Dallas. Both she and her husband Jay are former Akiba students.
Jenny Weise is starting her third year at Akiba in a new role, as an associate teacher in Jennifer Squires' kindergarten class. She has spent the last two years, teaching in Akiba's Early Childhood Program. While working full time, Jenny also completed a master's degree in educational psychology from The University of North Texas (UNT). She is an avid volunteer, spending time at Texas Child Protective Services and abroad, working in human trafficking prevention. She is also part of UNT's Leaders in Family Education.
Paula Winslow, known by many as "Miss Paula," has brought smiles and inspiration to Akiba's kindergarten for the last seven years. This year, she will bring her talents to all of our students as a member of the Learner Support Team. In her new role, she will support students with academic language therapy and as a general studies resource. She will draw on her experience as a kindergarten teacher, director of Akiba's Camp Kulanu (infants-pre-K) and 15 years teaching at Parish Episcopal School. She holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin, and an early childhood and secondary teaching certification.
Please join me in congratulating Orly, Emily, Jenny and Paula!
Tammie Rapps
Head of School
|
