Investing in Professional Growth

At Chaviva High School, our commitment to educational excellence extends not only to our students but to our dedicated faculty as well. This past Professional Development (PD) Day was a shining example of how our staff continuously grows and strengthens their skills to better support our students and community.

As we move up our "Educational Tree," we now find ourselves at the branches, ready to stretch ourselves and our students as we "branch out." The two focus areas this semester are Academic Rigor and Authentic Engagement.

Key Highlights:

• Defining Rigor and Engagement: Our educators analyzed lessons and assessments along a continuum from most to least rigorous and engaging.

• Interactive Visual Chart: Teachers are encouraged to add a color-coded sticker to the chart on days they incorporate actively engaging components in their lessons.

• Chaviva Teachers R.I.S.E. Program: A pilot program where teachers commit to an additional hour of lesson planning and assessment crafting, emphasizing Rigor, Intention, Standards, and Engagement. This cohort will collaborate and provide feedback through a dedicated group chat.

• Integrated Project-Based Learning (IPBL) Theme: Teachers began planning for Collaboration Day on March 27th, where they will create joint lessons tied to the overarching theme of "Truth."

• Article Discussion: Our faculty engaged in a meaningful discussion on the New York Times article, "What Students Are Saying About Being Graded on Excellence vs. Effort". This thought-provoking piece provided valuable insights into student perspectives on academic expectations and motivated us to further refine our approach to rigor and engagement.

Mrs. Berkowitz was fortunate to participate in a meaningful trip to Israel as part of the Cleveland Jewish Educators Cohort, facilitated by M²: The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education. Over the past year and a half, she has been actively engaged with this cohort, which brings together 20 Jewish educators to deepen their understanding and practice of experiential learning.

The week-long visit to Israel provided an opportunity to learn from the stories of those who have shown resilience in the face of adversity. Immersed in Israel's rich culture and history during an emotional time for the Jewish people, the experience offered valuable insights into how communities respond to challenging circumstances.

The immersive seminar, rooted in the values of Israel's Declaration of Independence, allowed participants to engage in deep discussions, site visits, and meaningful dialogues with Israeli M² alumni. Beyond the structured learning, the trip’s true depth emerged in the unplanned moments, such as processing the tragic news of the Bibas family. These experiences highlighted the importance of being present and learning to navigate complexity and grief while seeking hope and renewal.

Our PD Days are one part of our broader commitment to cultivating a learning environment where students and staff grow together with purpose and passion. By raising our standards in behavior, decorum, and academics, we continue to inspire excellence and intellectual curiosity. Mrs. Berkowitz’s recent experience in Israel further deepens this vision, as she returns with valuable insights on resilience, unity, and the power of experiential learning. Her dedication to fostering meaningful connections within the Jewish community—and to leading with intention—continues to uplift and guide our school as we move forward.