About Our PD Partners
About Our PD Partners
The Jewish Education Project has a contract with the NYC DOE to provide professional development to teachers and school leaders working in yeshiva and day schools located in NYC (i.e., Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx). These professional development sessions are funded using the school's Title IIA, III, or IV funds.
Expert Consultants: We work with experienced educators and subject-matter experts who understand the needs of yeshiva and day schools.
A Wide Range of Topics: Our PD Partners offer professional development across a variety of instructional, leadership, and schoolwide topics.
Flexible Formats: Professional development can be provided through individual coaching, small-group sessions, or full-staff workshops, either in person or virtually.
Designed for Your School: Schools can work with PD Partners to identify professional learning that meets their specific needs and goals.
Rabbi Baruch Noy is an expert in educational technology and STEM education, currently serving as an employee of the Consortium of Jewish Day Schools. With over a decade of experience, Rabbi Noy has worked with more than 200 schools through the Consortium, training teachers to integrate technology into their classrooms. He was previously the Principal of a boys’ high school and Director of Educational Technology and STEM at HAFTR. Rabbi Noy also co-founded the Educational Technology Coaching Certificate program at Touro College, where he serves as an adjunct professor. He holds a master’s degree in education, is a Google Certified Trainer, and is currently working on his Doctorate in Jewish Educational Leadership at Azrieli Graduate School.
Chana Zucker is a seasoned educator and professional development consultant. Chana is a strategic and creative consultant, who brings her experiences driving growth and transformation; as an educator and school leader. With a combination of job embedded professional development and workshops, Chana tailors an effective professional development plan to facilitate growth and professional adaptability across schools; providing support to individual educators, school leaders, as well as groups. Chana’s repertoire for classroom educators includes coaching teachers, curriculum development, classroom management, as well as cultivating social emotional learning practices to build self-awareness and resilience.
As a seasoned leadership professional, Chana empowers school leaders to develop strategic planning, support with Title funding and budgeting, and curriculum development. Chana’s adaptability and approachable demeanor foster an environment of growth, decision making, and resiliency amongst stakeholders. Chana holds an M.A. in Education, M.S. in Educational Leadership and Administration, and maintains a New York State licensure as a School Building Leader. Her attention to detail, passion, creativity, and industry knowledge facilitates a well-round and growth-oriented learning environment across schools.
Elana Fertig, MS Ed, is the Early Childhood Director at Yeshiva of South Shore for the last 16 years and was the EC Director at Prospect Park Yeshiva for the 3 years prior. She is an Early Childhood Consultant at COJDS, and coordinates on-going classes and workshops for Early Childhood Directors and Teachers. She is one of the founders of the Long Island-Yeshiva Early Childhood Network. Elana has presented workshops for Torah Umesorah, for the Jewish Education Project, and throughout the tri-state area.
Ellen Alt is an experienced art educator, educational consultant and practicing artist. As the Artist–in–Resident at the Park Avenue Synagogue, she facilitates community wide projects that reinforce Jewish educational values through a visual lens. She taught creativity and visual arts in the graduate education department and precollege programs at Brandeis University. Alt’s artwork is inspired by languages, alphabets and symbols. Her mixed media work has been exhibited in the U.S, Germany, Russia, China, England and the Middle East. One of her pieces was presented to Hillary Clinton on the occasion of the peace treaty between Israel and Jordan and is in the collection of the White House. Ellen Alt also organizes community sculpture and mural projects throughout the world. She holds an MA in studio art from New York University and a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She currently lives in New York City and lived in Israel for many years.
Dr. Eugene Miller has served as Executive Director of multiple Yeshivot and Day Schools, for the past 16 years, where he successfully restored financial stability, resilience, and operational effectiveness. Previously, he spent over a decade as Assistant Director of the Center on Civil Society at CUNY's Graduate School and University Center, where he managed operations, led research projects, and conducted organizational evaluations. Currently, as lead administrator of a special education school, he has extensive knowledge of special education law and has secured over $20 million in settlement funds. A Fulbright Scholar with a doctorate in History from CUNY, he has taught at the university level for over twenty years and has written and lectured widely on political economy, civil society, and donor motivation.
Hidden Sparks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping educators and schools nurture the hidden spark within each student. The organization develops and facilitates professional development programs and coaching for Jewish day school educators to deepen their understanding of learning and teaching diverse learners, particularly those who struggle. Hidden Sparks works nationally, providing a constructivist, hands-on, and interactive approach in all their presentations. Their mission is to increase the capacity of Jewish day schools to address the varied needs of learners so that all students thrive. Hidden Sparks has a broad roster of experienced presenters who specialize in a range of areas, including differentiated instruction and building a positive classroom ecology.
Mrs. Ita Selengut is an experienced Jewish educator and leader with over 20 years in teaching, school leadership, and organizational development. As founding principal of Bais Yaakov of Waterbury High School, she built a thriving program from the ground up. Now a leadership coach and consultant, she empowers educators, strengthens teams, and helps organizations turn vision into reality. Known for her warmth, clarity, and practical insight, Mrs. Selengut inspires growth while fostering collaborative, mission-driven environments.
Judith Talesnick is a seasoned leadership and professional development consultant who collaborates with Day School/Yeshiva leaders nationwide. With a deep passion for understanding each professional's unique context, Judith co-creates tailored solutions that resonate within their settings. She holds an MA in Education and is an Immunity to Change coach. Judith is the founder and Education Director at Empowering Educators, serves on the Advisory Board for Pedagogy of Partnership, and has held leadership roles at The Jewish Education Project and the Jewish New Teacher Project. Her extensive experience includes principalship at Westchester Day School and coaching roles at Hidden Sparks. Judith's approach is inquiry-based and interactive, grounded in research and designed to help educators think critically, improve skills, and gain deeper insights into their own learning.
Lomdei sits at the intersection of tradition and innovation, helping Jewish day schools and yeshivos deliver personalized learning that reaches every student. Rather than offering a single product, Lomdei operates as three integrated divisions that can work together or stand alone.
MasterED delivers personalized learning for students through either a digital or paper approach, both resulting in rich, actionable data. TailorED is Lomdei's coaching arm: delivering innovative teaching strategies in a culturally sensitive and relevant way to Jewish schools, with a diverse team of coaches matched to teachers' specific needs to build sustainable, growth-minded instructional cultures. StandardED rounds out the offering with paper and digital assessments paired with rich, actionable reporting, so schools can track learning standards over time.
What sets Lomdei apart is the way these pieces reinforce each other: coaching, assessment, and personalized learning solutions aren't disconnected services but one coherent path toward personalized Jewish education — with or without technology, depending on what a school actually needs. Programs are built around collaborative goal-setting with school leadership, culturally relevant instructional models designed specifically for the Jewish day school context, and ongoing professional learning communities where educators share and grow together.
Through its divisions, Lomdei is driving meaningful, lasting impact — partnering with nearly 100 schools, coaching hundreds of teachers, and reaching thousands of students every year.
Professional developer of literacy lessons( including Science of Reading), coaching and content, including SEL and culturally-responsive curriculum; supporter of teachers with best practices and strategies; administration and management know-how; passion for children's equity and access; strong knowledge of data analysis; outstanding interpersonal skills.
Experience in all tiers of education: classroom, administration, coaching in a variety of schools...PD sessions are tailored to the needs of the individual staff/school; hands-on work in a cooperative framework; PreK-grade 8 knowledge base ; and...a sense of humor!
I’m an Early Childhood Specialist and Behavior Consultant who is passionate about helping teachers navigate the complexities of teaching and supporting young children. My approach is characterized by empathy, active listening, humor, and a commitment to teaching practical strategies that any teacher can weave into their daily practices.
I have consulted with many early childhood settings in New York and New Jersey, as well as internationally, offering both student-specific consultation and school-wide training for teachers and school directors. My ability to tailor strategies to each classroom's unique needs has earned me a stellar reputation among school who are seeking guidance. My warmth, expertise, creativity, and relatability make me a trusted resource for educators who are striving to create stability, routine, and fun in their classroom settings.
Rabbi Dr. Naphtali Hoff is an accomplished coach, organizational consultant, and sought-after trainer and lecturer.
He is a former classroom rebbi/teacher, college instructor, and headmaster who now coaches teachers and principals all throughout the Greater NYC area and beyond on a wide range of areas.
Naphtali holds two master’s degrees in education and completed his doctorate in human and organizational psychology, which analyzes successful individual or organizational change and development. He received personal semicha (ordination) from Rabbi Gedaliah Dov Schwartz, z”l.
Naphtali is the author of Becoming the New Boss, a leadership book that helps new leaders hit the ground running and enjoy sustained success, Becoming the Productive Boss, which helps leaders and their teams get more of the right work done, and Becoming the Delegating School Boss, which helps school leaders delegate with greater confidence and effectiveness.
More about his work in educational support can be found at https://www.impactfulcoaching.com/education.
Rabbi Peretz Hochbaum is a master educator and inspiring visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in K-12 education and leadership. He has held prominent roles at institutions such as Rambam Mesivta, HANC, Camp Kaylie, and Mesivta Tiferes Yisroel. As the Founder and Director of BPE Educational Services, Rabbi Hochbaum has led numerous initiatives in curriculum development, staff training, and student services. He currently serves as the Regional Director for NY/NJ and an Instructional Coach at Lomdei, where he continues to impact the educational landscape through his expertise and dedication. Rabbi Hochbaum holds Semicha from RIETS, a Master’s degree from Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate Institute, and pursued doctoral studies at American University. His work is characterized by a commitment to fostering educational excellence and building effective teams.
Rebecca Lopkin is an educator, theater director, and teaching artist with over 25 years of experience in Jewish day schools and yeshivot. Throughout her career, she has taught every level from elementary through high school, covering subjects including general studies, theater, filmmaking, public speaking, broadcasting, and Holocaust Studies. She has directed countless plays and musicals with students of all ages, helping them grow as artists, collaborators, and storytellers.
Fifteen years ago, Rebecca founded Envision Theater with the mission of bringing meaningful performing arts opportunities to Jewish schools. As Artistic Director, she has developed original curriculum, mentored teaching artists, and partnered with dozens of schools and camps to create transformative arts programs. She also launched signature initiatives such as Envision Shakespeare, a competitive festival engaging high school students in the Bard’s works, and the Bare Witness Project, which connects students with Holocaust survivors through devised theater and multimedia storytelling.
In addition to her school-based work, Rebecca served for a decade as Theater Director at Camp Shoshanim, directing two major productions each summer, and in 2021 she devised and directed Bread and Roses at Camp Maor, an original play about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.
Today, Rebecca continues to merge her expertise in theater, education, and media through workshops on improv, arts integration, SEL, and digital storytelling. Whether helping teachers bring history to life through devised theater, guiding faculty in team-building improv, or training educators to use media tools in the classroom, her work centers on creativity, empathy, and connection.
Dr. Rena Gelb is a seasoned mathematics educator with over 13 years of experience teaching students from preschool through graduate levels. She holds a PhD in Mathematics Education from Teachers College, where she studied mathematics and education theory. Dr. Gelb is the Head Teacher for Mathematics and Science and Robotics Coach for Upper Elementary and Middle School at Bais Yaakov Bnos Aliya in Manhattan. Her additional qualifications include an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BA in Psychology from Barnard College. She is also trained in the Montessori Method for teaching mathematics to younger students.
Rikki Spitzer, MS, OTR/L, is an experienced occupational therapist specializing in pediatric care. She has worked across diverse settings, including school-based environments, private practice, and special education. As the developer and owner of Occufusion LLC, Rikki offers an innovative consulting service dedicated to helping students succeed at the foundational levels of learning and collaborates with schools and families to create inclusive and effective learning experiences. She has collaborated with numerous institutions, including Bais Faiga, Torah V’das, Mosores Bnos Yisroel, and Bais Esther. Her passion drives her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children, ensuring they receive the highest quality care and support in their developmental journeys.
Dr. Rona M. Novick is a distinguished clinical psychologist, educator, and consultant, with a career dedicated to advancing Jewish education and supporting mental health in educational settings. She served as the Dean of the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration at Yeshiva University from 2014 until her retirement in 2024. During her tenure, she held the Raine and Stanley Silverstein Chair in Professional Ethics and Values, and her leadership shaped the academic landscape of Jewish education.
In addition to her role at Yeshiva University, Dr. Novick was the Co-Educational Director of Hidden Sparks, an organization that provides professional development to day schools and yeshivas, helping educators improve their teaching practices for diverse learners. She has also made significant contributions to the field of child psychology, having served as the Chief of Child Psychology and Director of Training at Schneider Children's Hospital.
Dr. Novick is a published author, with works that include Helping Your Child Make Friends, as well as serving as the editor of the Kids Don’t Come With Instruction Manuals series. Her children’s book, Mommy, Can You Stop the Rain?, was published in 2020. Her scholarly expertise covers a wide range of topics, including cognitive behavior therapy, positive psychology, trauma, bully prevention, and parenting.
Now focused exclusively on her consulting practice, Dr. Novick continues to impact Jewish education by offering guidance to schools, educators, and families. She is a sought-after speaker and regularly presents at national and international conferences. Through her consulting, she remains committed to enhancing educational practices, promoting mental health, and fostering meaningful connections in diverse learning environments.
I’m an educator and coach dedicated to supporting teachers in their growth and professional success. I design and deliver professional development that’s practical, engaging, and grounded in real classroom needs. With experience mentoring both new and seasoned teachers, I focus on curriculum planning, classroom engagement, and bringing Ontario and New York State Common Core standards to life. I meet regularly with educators to troubleshoot challenges, reflect on what’s working, and find creative ways to build higher-order thinking into everyday lessons. I believe in being a steady source of encouragement and offering honest, thoughtful feedback when it can help move practice forward.
Dr. Sara Markowitz, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, ADHD consultant and researcher, and the founding Director of the Women’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Achieve Behavioral Health—the largest behavioral health center serving the Jewish community. Previously, she co-authored "Kosher ADHD: Surviving and Thriving in the Torah-Observant World" offering culturally attuned, evidence-based resources for parents, teachers, clinicians, and community leaders navigating ADHD. Dr. Markowitz has developed and directed programs across the lifespan, including Achieve’s Teen Intensive Summer Experience, therapeutic group models for women, and research-based curricula used by families, educators, and mental health professionals. Drawing on her own ADHD experience, Dr. Markowitz integrates emotional regulation, executive functioning, and systems collaboration approaches in her work. She partners with schools to provide professional development and builds sustainable systems that support both teachers and students with ADHD, emphasizing data-driven interventions that are meaningful, measurable, and responsive to real-world needs.
Sara Schonfeld is an educational consultant and Literacy Specialist, working with yeshiva and day schools to design and integrate curriculum aligned with national and state standards. She also coordinates curriculum reviews and helps schools close achievement gaps through data-driven instructional planning. Sara leads professional development conferences, think tanks, and coaches educators on literacy, educational technology, and student-centered teaching practices. In addition to her consulting work, she is an adjunct professor and guest lecturer. Sara holds master's degrees in School Leadership and Literacy and multiple certifications in education, special education, and technology.
Our founder and principal, Dr. Scott Goldberg, has served on the faculty at Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education for close to two decades, was the founding director of the YU School Partnership (YUSP), and has consulted with countless Jewish Day Schools and Yeshivos in the United States and around the world. He is a teacher and consultant in many areas, including school leadership, governance and finance, strategic planning, multilingual literacy development and assessment, and differentiated instruction, to name a few. In his role at the YUSP, Dr. Goldberg worked closely with schools to develop the quality of their faculty, support the heads of school, promote educational excellence, and protect their financial stability. He is also a sought-after leadership coach for school administrators, employing a unique approach to coaching school leadership teams and boards to ensure a positive and productive school culture and healthy working relationships. Dr. Goldberg applies this varied and extensive experience to deliver unmatched insight into schools’ needs.
Ph.D. in Applied Psychology, The Steinhardt School of Education, New York University
M.S.Ed. in Special Education, Bank Street College of Education
B.A. in Jewish Studies, The University of Chicago
Shona has served as a teacher, administrator, trainer, and consultant in education for nearly two decades, focusing on innovative practices like project-based learning, standards-based instruction, growth mindset, and critical thinking. In 2022, she published "How to Stop Caring What Others Think: for real," guiding readers toward internal validation and authentic understanding of personal success. Currently, Shona is deeply engaged in addressing technology's impact on children, advocating for intentional digital engagement through parent workshops, community meetings, and policy discussions. An expert on digital wellness in education, she works with schools and families to navigate technological challenges facing today's youth. Her most recent book, "Always On: An Interactive Parents' Guide for the (Dis)Connected Generation," offers a practical roadmap for parents navigating the complex landscape of technology in their children's lives.
Rabbi Tavi Koslowe has over twenty years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and educational consultant across lower, middle, and high school settings. He currently serves as Chief Academic Officer at Kadima Coaching Inc., an educational consulting firm that partners with Jewish schools and organizations to provide robust, customized professional development solutions. Previously, he held leadership roles including High School Dean at The Leffell School (Hartsdale, NY), Judaic Studies Principal at The Idea School (Tenafly, NJ), Head of Lower School at the Ramaz School (Manhattan, NY), and Middle School Assistant Principal at Yeshivat Noam (Paramus, NJ).
The Shefa School is a Jewish community day school in Manhattan serving students in grades 1–8 who benefit from a specialized educational environment to develop their strengths while addressing their learning challenges. The Shefa Center, a division of The Shefa School, partners with educators and leaders in Jewish day schools to expand their capacity to educate diverse learners. The Shefa Center provides professional development, consultation, partnership, and training across a range of topics, customized for individual educators or whole schools. The Shefa School’s mission is to build upon each child’s strengths while teaching the skills to overcome their challenges in a caring and supportive community.
Tikvah Wiener is the Founder and CEO of Kadima Coaching, a global organization that empowers Jewish day school and congregational educators through professional development in student-centered learning. Over the past 30 years, she has dedicated her career to Jewish education, serving as a teacher, administrator, head of school, and consultant. Tikvah was an UpStart Fellow and a member of HaKaveret, JEIC’s design team of leading educators charged with developing innovative models of Jewish learning. She has also delivered an ELI Talk on the central role of passion-based learning in Jewish education.
Rabbi Yaakov Lubin is the co-founder and director of The Jewish Center for Science. His research experience spans microbiology, counter-bioterrorism, and X-ray crystallography, with work conducted at Hebrew University, Florida Atlantic University, and the Weizman Institute. He has pioneered culturally responsive science programs for Jewish schools and authored four science textbooks used in over 200 schools. In addition to school programs, Rabbi Lubin has produced documentary films on topics such as the animal diversity in the Amazon Jungle and outer space, as well as a film about Iceland’s geology which was shot on location. Rabbi Lubin also pursued his Rabbinic degree and taught High School science courses at Yerushalayim Torah Academy in Israel.
Rabbi Yona Krainess is the Director of Instructional Technology and Data at Hillel Yeshiva and an educational consultant specializing in data-driven curriculum development and student achievement. His expertise in data analysis helps schools identify strengths and weaknesses and implement tailored curricular solutions. Rabbi Krainess has also managed a Summer Institute that served over 35 schools and presented at the ISTE: Jewish Day School Educational Innovator Summit at the National Museum of American Jewish History and at the Prizmah conference. He holds dual master's degrees in School Building Leadership and Speech and Language Pathology and is an ordained rabbi.
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