Yeshivat Noam is excited to warmly welcome Leah Perl as the new middle school general studies principal. Perl is an outstanding, dynamic and passionate educational leader in Jewish education, who grew up in Fair Lawn and relocated with her family to Teaneck this summer. Perl impressed all who met her with her warmth, love of children, educational knowledge, experience and vision, making her an excellent fit for this leadership role.
According to Head of School Rabbi Chaim Hagler, “With support from Scott Goldberg Consulting and a search committee composed of staff and lay leaders, we received a large number of applicants from across the country, Canada and Israel. We are fortunate that we found a professional who is dedicated to Jewish education and embodies the values of Yeshivat Noam. Mrs. Perl began her onboarding process in March, spending time in the middle school getting to know students, faculty and parents and officially started in August.”
Mrs. Perl was previously the curriculum coordinator, teacher mentor and middle school language arts teacher at Westchester Day School. Prior to joining Westchester Day School, Perl taught middle school language arts for several years at Carmel Academy. Perl graduated from Brandeis University, holds a master’s degree in education from Bank Street School of Education and will be completing her certificate of school management and leadership from Harvard University in March. She has also taught middle school in the South Bronx Academy for Applied Media, the West Side Collaborative and Bi-Cultural Day School.
Perl expressed, “I have big shoes to fill with two impressive educators who preceded me in this role—Mrs. Becky Troodler and Ms. Aliza Chanales. Visiting Yeshivat Noam, I was impressed with the dedication and enthusiasm of the teachers and faculty as well as the student-centered approach. Students were asking questions and figuring out solutions to various problems in classes from science to social studies. I am looking forward to the opportunity to join this fantastic middle school team and make an impact on the lives of Yeshivat Noam students.
As middle school general studies principal, Perl will oversee the General Studies department and will partner with Rabbi Motechin, principal of Judaic Studies, to oversee the day to day running of the entire middle school. Along with Rabbi Motechin, Perl will also work very closely with Dr. Yedida Genack, middle school psychologist, to ensure that the social and emotional needs of each middle school student are met.
Perl and her husband have been living in Stamford, for the past 13 years, but both grew up in Bergen County and have family in Fair Lawn and Teaneck. They are excited to be part of the Teaneck community and to join the Yeshivat Noam family with her husband, Doni and with their four children—ages 10, 8 and 6 year old twins.
