Recently, Torah Academy of Boca Raton hosted an impactful professional development program
for its faculty, featuring renowned mechanech and author Rabbi Yaakov Horowitz. The sessions
were filled with practical strategies, heartfelt stories, and profound insights drawn from his
decades of experience in chinuch.
In the first session, Dealing with Classroom Disruptions, Rabbi Horowitz shared a powerful
personal story from his early teaching days. When a group of students played a prank, he
offered them a choice: a standard punishment or the opportunity to make amends by helping the
victimized store owner. This experience taught him the importance of logical, natural
consequences in discipline, fostering growth rather than resentment. He also emphasized the
value of setting clear classroom rules and maintaining composure, advising teachers to remain
calm and not be drawn into confrontations.
In the second session, Becoming Their Favorite Teacher, Rabbi Horowitz highlighted the power
of personal connection. He shared how a simple compliment or a few moments of genuine
interest can leave a lasting impact on students. Recalling a childhood memory of his own
sixth-grade rebbe, he urged educators to notice each child’s individuality, celebrating their
milestones and taking time for personal conversations.
The final session, Tween and Teen Transitions, focused on understanding adolescent behavior.
Rabbi Horowitz explained that teens often appear contradictory because they are exploring their
identities. He encouraged teachers to foster open communication, creating safe spaces where
students feel heard without fear of judgment.
Throughout the day, Rabbi Horowitz inspired educators to approach every interaction with
warmth, understanding, and creativity—reminding them that the seeds planted today may
blossom years down the line.
Torah Academy of Boca Raton is a Yeshiva with preschool, elementary, and separate boys’ and
girls’ middle school divisions, serving approximately 840 students this year. For more
information, visit www.torahacademybr.org or call 561-465-2200.
