After an extensive, nationwide search, Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls has named Shira Heller as its next associate principal. Heller replaces outgoing Associate Principal Tamar Appel who is moving on to be the new Director of Education at Hidden Sparks.
Heller comes to Ma’ayanot with an extensive background in education. She is currently the director of Teaching and Learning at Manhattan Day School where she is a leader in the development and implementation of curriculum. She previously worked as the director of teaching and learning at Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools and still acts as a consultant there as well as for Scott Goldberg Consulting. Heller has also worked for JLIC at Boston University and as an adult educator at Manhattan Jewish Experience, giving her the unique experience of successfully teaching multiple age groups, in both Judaic and general studies.
Heller shared her excitement about her new position: “We moved to Teaneck about five years ago and I quickly felt attached to my new community. Being able to serve a school whose mission I am passionate about in that same community is a great privilege.”
Citing her experience with students of varying ages, as well as a stint in MTA when she was earning her MSW in social work, she shared, “I’m so excited about the dynamic team at Ma’ayanot and passionate about the education of young women. I’m eager to learn more and feel both humble and confident about being able to bring my values and skills to Ma’ayanot.”
Gila Stein, Ma’ayanot’s chair of science and STEAM and an 18-year veteran of the school, chaired the search committee. She outlined the committee’s mission as “looking for someone who would support teachers and department chairs and develop relationships with students, parents and the community.”
“When we met Shira we were blown away. She had everything on the list of what we were looking for. We almost couldn’t believe it. She has wisdom and warmth and is an outstanding educator. Shira is passionate about Ma’ayanot’s mission, and I look forward to having her take the role of new associate principal,” she continued.
In a letter to the Ma’ayanot community, Head of School CB Neugroschl described Heller as “an outstanding educator who is just as deeply invested in the relationships that she builds as she is in the craft of teaching. Her enthusiasm and love of learning is contagious. She is a consummate professional who is knowledgeable, articulate, authentic and energizing … As an individual and an educator, Shira will bring her dynamic and innovative approaches to our supportive and nurturing environment that uniquely allows young women to flourish religiously, socially and intellectually.”
Heller’s role will focus on supporting teachers and developing curriculum, yet she observed that in today’s world, “school leadership is an immersive experience and I look forward to building relationships with parents, lay leadership and students, of course. I am a service-minded leader and am excited to serve this community.”
By Michal Rosenberg
