83: Planting the Seeds in the Next Generation with Rabbi Avery Joel

Rabbi Avery Joel has been at the Fuchs Mizrachi School in Cleveland, OH since 2008 as a teacher, the Principal of the Stark High School, and now as the Head of School. Prior to moving to Cleveland, Rabbi Joel served as a teacher and grade coordinator in the Ramaz Upper School in NY and was heavily involved in camps and other experiential education settings. Following two years of studying Torah at Yeshiva Sha'alvim in Israel, Rabbi Joel received his BA in Economics, MA in Jewish Education, Doctorate in Educational Administration, and rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University. Rabbi Joel also received an MPA from New York University. Rabbi Joel, and his family love being a part of the Fuchs Mizrachi community.

•  Gems:
• Find out where you enjoy spending your time and what will enhance your strengths.
• The teacher/student relationship is critical to the growth of students.
• Work on your Middot also.
• Be flexible.
• Students need one on one connection.
• Be mindful of how we conduct ourselves.
• Admit when you make a mistake.
• Allow students to reflect on how G-d and Torah relates to them and their lives in a developmentally appropriate way.
• The values and culture of the school must start at the top with the Head of School and down to the students.
• There must be a partnership between school and home.
• Find ways to show students how they can impact the Jewish communities.
• Inspire the next generation and give them the tools and empower them to be committed Jews who will live a meaningful life and have a relationship with Hashem.
• We are not trying to create children who grow into adults who are all the same.
• Give each student what they need.
• Find the moments of inspiration for yourself.
• Our job is to plant seeds.
• Learn by observing other educators.
• Be a life-long learner.
• Celebrate our educators and the life they are committing to.