Please introduce yourself.
My name is Chanie Minkowicz from Crown Heights. I have been teaching since I came out of Seminary and currently teach 7th grade at Beis Rivkah.
Teaching in a big school, how do you ensure your students all get the help they need?
Beis Rivkah has many support systems in place. Mentors are available for teachers to consult with when they believe a student requires additional assistance. It is my responsibility as a teacher to be diligent and attentive in ensuring that students receive the necessary help. Students are constantly on our minds, whether at school, outside of school, in the morning, or at night. While there may be instances where we overlook certain matters, being approachable increases the likelihood of students reaching out to us when they need help.
How can we best prepare for the future of Chabad Chinuch?
We need the homes and the schools to be on the same page. There needs to be a sense of Ahavas Yisroel and a partnership between the school and the parents to help the students achieve ultimate success.
Chabad Chinuch offers numerous resources, including the valuable work of the Menachem Education Foundation (MEF). Various workshops are available to support teachers, with Chabad leading the way in this regard. I have personally witnessed significant growth, both as a former student at Beis Rivka and now as a teacher there; the school has transformed positively. The level of care, attention, understanding, and accommodation for students is remarkable. Students feel valued and supported. Growing up as one of 11 sisters, most teachers likely knew my last name; however, today, each student is recognized as an individual.
What is a hobby of yours that would surprise your students?
I love to do puzzles; it is a calming activity.
What advice can you share with teachers as the end of the school year is approaching?
At this point, you have hopefully made a connection with every one of your students in a positive way. It is time to reflect to see if you know who their friends are, as this will help show you how well you got to know your students as a person. As teachers, content is not something we can ensure they will hold on to in the future, but reflecting on my days as a student, I remember the compliments I got from my teachers. You want your students to leave your classroom remembering the warm connection you made with them and the compliments you gave them. If you look around your classroom and see students you might have missed, try to bridge the gap and make that connection.
This is an excerpt from the Nissan COLlive Magazine, Chinuch Matters section. It is a collaboration between COLlive and the Menachem Education Foundation.
