The JEC Lower and Middle School is excited to welcome new faculty members for the upcoming 2021-2022/5782 school year, including fantastic alumni:
Dr. Seema Dobin joined the JEC leadership team as director of guidance for early childhood through eighth grade. Dr. Dobin’s warm, positive and reassuring demeanor enables her to form meaningful relationships with students, parents and colleagues. Her ability to truly hear and empathize with others makes her a superb clinician whose genuine warmth and care for children is felt by all who interact with her.
Dr. Dobin received her BA from Touro College and earned her master’s and doctorate in school psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She has extensive school experience and has also worked with a neuropsychologist administering cognitive, academic, behavioral and neuropsychological assessments.
As a proud JEC alumnus, Mr. Aryeh Barasch is excited to join the JEC Middle School as the sixth-eighth history teacher. Mr. Barasch comes to JEC with experience teaching a range of history curricula across multiple middle school and high school grades. Mr. Barasch prides himself on his interactive approach to teaching history while incorporating technology in all of his lessons. He is looking forward to challenging the boys to think deeply about history and engaging them in lively classroom discussions.
Morah Britt Fisch is excited to return to the JEC family. An alumnus of Bruriah High School, Morah Britt has previously taught second grade and is looking forward to using her talent and experience to now be a first grade morah. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in early childhood and special education. Morah Britt is passionate about teaching and is looking forward to helping each child succeed and reach their fullest potential.
Morah Sefi Bodner is excited to rejoin the JEC Early Childhood family as the primer Judaic Studies head teacher. A proud product of both the Elizabeth Jewish Community and of the JEC, including Bruriah High School, Morah Sefi looks forward to working with the amazing JEC children to build the foundations of their Judaic Studies learning. She is also delighted to enroll her daughter in the JEC, representing a three generation connection to JEC.
Morah Faygie Durier is excited to bring her vast experience and passion for teaching fourth grade to the JEC. Having earned a master’s degree in both special and regular education, she is passionate about teaching and aims to guide each student to reach her full potential. Morah Durier is looking forward to joining the JEC family!
Mr. Shlomo Golombeck, is excited to get the JEC students moving, dancing and singing. In addition to his years teaching music and movement both in yeshivot and camps, Mr. Golombeck has performed across the nation at nearly 1,000 events as a one man band, singer, DJ and MC. He is a former member of the Miami Boys Choir and is eager to add even more energy and simcha to the JEC.
Mrs. Myrna Marcarian and Morah Melissa Hatrak are excited to co-teach first grade. Mrs. Marcarian has more than 20 years of experience as a teacher, leader and academic director. She holds a master’s of science in education and NJ K-8 teaching certificatification. She is a professional musician and is looking forward to working as part of a team to develop students’ foundational skills. Ms. Hatrak has over five years of teaching experience on top of many years of business and entrepreneurial experiences. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts and a NJ teaching certification.
Rabbi Shlomo Tanenbaum is excited to join the JEC Lower and Middle School as the fifth grade boy’s general studies teacher. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and holds a K-12 NJ teaching certification. Rabbi Tanenbaum has taught previously as part of the math faculty in the JEC High School and is looking forward to focusing on his students’ development as they prepare for middle school.
Rabbi Dovid Victor comes to JEC with years of experience teaching sixth-eighth grade boys and 10-11th grade boys. He graduated from Touro College with a BA in psychology and a master’s in Jewish education, and received semicha from Yeshivas Ohr Hachaim in Queens. He brings warmth and passion to his classroom and uses innovative teaching methods to help all students succeed. He is looking forward to joining the JEC Middle School family and fostering relationships with the boys to help them grow in Torah learning and living.
In addition to the wonderful new hires, JEC is excited about new and improved programs. Mr. Jonathan Garcia, a beloved math and science teacher for both the JEC Middle School and JEC High School will be making his debut in the JEC Lower School as he transforms art classes to STEAM. Mr. G shared his excitement, “My primary goal is to give our students opportunities to safely express their fresh, creative ideas through hands-on learning and design, using relevant math, science, and technology content. I am very much looking forward to helping inspire these curious, young minds, by combining powerful STEM concepts with fun and interesting art activities for them to absorb and enjoy.”
Additionally, the JEC Middle School is excited to welcome Ms. Gitti Bertram to further enhance the ELA program. Ms. Bertram has previously been a beloved fourth grade head teacher in the JEC Lower School. She has experience teaching 4th grade general studies for seven years and middle school math for three years. Ms. Bertram is most excited to share her love of reading and writing with the middle school students and to show them the joy in the life of a reader and writer. The students will greatly benefit from her structured and innovative teaching approach.
