Tirza Norowitz: science teacher/science coordinator

Norowitz holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Touro College and a Master in Science Education from Brooklyn College. Prior to being the head of Science Department for middle school at Shulamith School for Girls of Long Island, Norowitz taught science at York Preparatory in Manhattan. Norowitz strives to give over her passion for science to her students, and bring science to life. By forming a connection with each student and creating a hands-on science experience, Norowitz hopes to instill a strong love for science in all her students. Norowitz is looking forward to joining the team of Chabad of Tenafly and teaching her students an array of sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics and Earth science.

Rabbi Benzion Scheinfeld: middle school Judaic Studies teacher

Rabbi Scheinfeld obtained his semicha from Yeshiva University, and has been a high school educator for over 25 years. He is the creator of the Shiriya program which engages students’ minds while touching their hearts and allowing them to express their inner passion for Judaism. Rabbi Scheinfeld possesses a combination of being a thinker and talmudist as well as a soulful and emotional communicator. In addition to his passion for classic Torah education, Rabbi Scheinfeld is an avid athlete who regularly plays tennis and basketball, in addition to being a ski instructor. Rabbi Scheinfeld is an original and out of the box thinker with a unique emotional authenticity. He is looking forward to bringing his unique talents to Tenafly Chabad Academy and engrossing his talmidim in grades five through eight during their Chumash and Mishna lessons.

Karin Cohen: marketing and administration

Cohen grew up in Teaneck and attended the Frisch Yeshiva High School. After Karin acquired a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the Rutgers University School of Business, she spent the first 30 years of her career working in the travel industry as the director of sales for several very high end hotel companies. When the pandemic hit, she reevaluated what she wanted to do and decided she would like to use her skills to benefit the Jewish community. Cohen spent a year working in administration at Yeshivat He’atid, and is delighted to bring her skills to Tenafly Chabad Academy working in marketing and administration. Karin has three grown children, and she lives with her husband and their dog in Bergenfield.

Amaryllis Schwed: fifth grade science, Teach NJ teacher

Schwed was born in Romania, spent her childhood in Brooklyn, Boro Park and Belle Harbor, and later lived in Monsey where she taught elementary school Science at Yeshiva of Spring Valley for 15 years. Currently residing in Fairlawn, she has taught high school science including biology, environmental science and forensics in Fort Lee High School for the past 15 years. Schwed is a proud mother and grandmother and sees all of her students as her own children. She truly enjoys teaching and loves when her students ask questions. The school is fortunate to have Schwed join its team as part of the Teach NJ STEM program.

Amy Bruschansky: art education

Brushansky graduated from Stern College with a bachelor’s degree in Judaic Studies, and has been teaching ever since then. In addition to teaching preschool students, Bruschansky has been teaching art to students in k-eighth. She is looking forward to sharing with her students her passion for all things creative, and to getting to know and creating with each and every student! Bruschansky lives in New Milford, with her husband and three children.

Sossie Shain: student activities

Morah Sossie is joining the TCA team after having completed her studies at Machon Shoshanat Yerushalayim. She is looking forward to utilizing her experience, talents and enthusiasm as the Student Activities coordinator. Through robust programming and activities throughout the school year, Morah Sossie will enrich the learning experience of all our students. Whether she is working with children in camp or at school, she brings an additional layer of fun and excitement to every environment.

Shelley Shatkin: middle school social studies

Shatkin is a passionate and experienced educator with a teaching experience of over 25 years. Shatkin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, and a master’s in communications. Her goal in the classroom is to inspire a love and appreciation for learning, and to advance her students’ intellectual curiosity and skills. In addition to meaningful class discussions, Shatkin uses reading and writing as tools to bolster and expand her students’ critical thinking abilities. Her pride and joy outside school are her two daughters (who are also teachers), their husbands, and her four grandchildren. Shatkin is very excited to bring her personal passion for history and current events into her middle school social studies classes this year.

Rina Bressel: Judaic Studies support teacher

Morah Rina grew up in the Passaic/Clifton community, where she developed a love for children that has led her to pursue a career in Education. Morah Rina began her career in Israel, where in addition to learning Torah full time, she also completed a teacher’s certification program at Meohr Bais Yaakov Teachers Seminary. Morah Rina is looking forward to connecting with her students on a personal level, and maximizing their skills and their individual abilities. Her warmth and enthusiasm will certainly enrich and enhance the learning experience of all her students.

Lea Muschel: first grade general studies teacher

Morah Lea received her degree in elementary education from the University of Arizona in Tucson. She has taught first and second grades in day schools in New Jersey and Georgia. Morah Lea prioritizes making content come to life and relatable to her students. She loves connecting with each child and getting to know their interests as a guide to creating fun and engaging lessons. Morah Lea is an avid New York Rangers fan and loves to go to hockey games. She also enjoys a good workout class, but is most happy spending time on outdoor pursuits with her husband and son. Morah Lea is looking forward to joining the Tenafly Chabad Academy family and meeting her new students in September.