Rabbi Mendy Greenbaum , principal Cheder Menachem , Los Angeles : “ In 2010 , I joined MEF ’ s first cohort of principals for a newly launched leadership training program . At the time , I had over a decade of experience as a principal and hoped that by participating in MEF ’ s pioneering program I could enhance my skill set and knowledge-base .
That program took place over the course of sixteen in-depth days of training spread throughout the year , with our cohort of principals traveling to schools all across America to learn about best practices in education . We learned from top professionals , many associated with the NYC Leadership Academy , and discovered what goals we should be setting as school leaders . The entire program focused on broadening our horizons and elevating the level of professionalism in our schools . It gave me a foundation of tools for coaching my staff , and taught us to really see the role of principal as an educational leader , not just site manager .
The program also leveraged every participant ’ s area of expertise and allowed us to collaborate and share our experiences , successes and challenges with fellow school leaders . We discussed what success looks like for a Chabad school and identified a need for Judaic Standards that would assist us all in our roles as educational leaders . The
Laying a Foundation for Growth and Success
eventual development and publication of the Zekelman Standards was born out of that collaboration .
Good Leaders Create Followers . Great Leaders Create Leaders .
I became involved in the development of the standards , and my role eventually evolved into sharing what I ’ ve learned and presenting it to others , including younger cohorts of principals . The entire purpose of the training is to build the capacity for leadership which , in turn , moves our successes forward by allowing us to produce more leaders and thinkers .
Today , I am working closely with MEF in running the current Chabad School Leadership Program , where we train the aspiring teachers in the same skills and knowledge I learned years ago . By developing and supporting high-quality school leaders , we are able to increase students ’ and teachers ’ success in the classroom . We also build each leader ’ s capacity to give back . Part of the current curriculum requires the participants to facilitate the learning by presenting to their peers . It is our hope that giving them these opportunities to apply their leadership skills will encourage them to give back to their schools , becoming a source of leadership in others .
Drawing the Best and Brightest into Jewish Education
When Rabbi Mendy Levin was deliberating possible career paths , he did not consider education as a viable option . Yet , MEF recognized Rabbi Levin ’ s many talents and convinced him to give Jewish education a chance . In 5771 ( 2010 ), Rabbi Levin enrolled in the yearlong Teacher Induction Program and went on to become a successful classroom teacher . In the spring of 2012 , MEF was working with the then fledgling Cheder Chabad of Philadelphia , whose board was seeking a principal for their growing school . Identifying Rabbi Levin ’ s potential , MEF invested in his training and secured him a personal coach to build his leadership abilities . Rabbi Levin assumed the role of principal in 5774 ( 2013 ).
As a young new principal , Rabbi Mendy Levin was eager to work toward achieving high quality educational outcomes for his students . With guidance from MEF ’ s leadership consultants and access to a wide range of resources , Rabbi Levin quickly improved his school ’ s culture of excellence by enhancing communications , tackling thorny staffing issues and developing a mindset of growth and understanding throughout the administration .
This year , Rabbi Levin was promoted to Head of School , and today is a mentor in his own right , regularly coaching a young principal in Argentina .
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