Summer 2025 Virtual Webinars Creating Day School Classrooms of Belonging

Gateways is offering two 90-minute virtual professional development workshops geared towards Jewish day school educators in August. These sessions are designed to offer educators practical research-backed strategies, rooted in empathy and compassion, to ensure that every child can access a meaningful Jewish education. 

Session 1: 
Supporting Neurodivergent Students in the Day School Classroom
Date and Time: August 6, 2025, 12:00-1:30 pm ET

Children experience and interact with the world around them in many ways.  This workshop equips Jewish day school educators with the knowledge and tools to support neurodivergent students and foster inclusive day school classrooms. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of neurodiversity, learn how neurodivergence impacts students’ experiences, and explore strategies to address their academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. Presenter Elana Naftalin-Kelman, who has spent over 20 years working at the intersection of special education and Jewish education, will provide participants with practical approaches to help neurodivergent students thrive and feel a true sense of belonging in their day school.

Session 2:
Title: Proactive Behavior Management: Planning for Success in the Day School Classroom
Date and Time: August 13, 2025, 7:30-9:00 pm ET

Educators today are feeling more overwhelmed than ever by challenging behaviors in the classroom. Behavior is a form of communication, and by understanding the functions of behavior, you can address it more effectively. Join Gateways Behavior Specialist Jodi Katz for a virtual workshop where you’ll learn the “ABC” approach for identifying what a child might be communicating through their behavior. Use the session to empower yourself with proactive strategies and systems to set children up for success and to support them when challenging behaviors do occur.