Preconvention
Leadership Conference
Preconvention
Leadership
Conference
Wednesday
Wednesday
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Two Leaders, One Mission
Building Strong Partnerships Between The Menahel And Executive Director
Dr. Noam Wasserman
Hosts: Rabbi Menachem Karmel & Rabbi Fievy Lieberman
This groundbreaking session brings together Menahalim and Executive Directors – two roles whose partnership can make or break a mosad. In a dynamic, scenario-driven format, participants will tackle real-life challenges: aligning educational vision with fiscal reality, balancing fundraising with chinuch, and representing the school effectively to diverse stakeholders. Through guided discussion and practical tools, this session will highlight how differences can become strengths, how clarity of roles can prevent conflict, and how true collaboration can energize an entire institution. Intriguing, practical, and empowering – this is a unique opportunity to gain insight, skills, and unity in the sacred mission of leading Klal Yisroel’s schools.
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Two Leaders, One Mission
Building Strong Partnerships Between The Menahel And Executive Director
Dr. Noam Wasserman
Hosts: Rabbi Menachem Karmel & Rabbi Fievy Lieberman
This groundbreaking session brings together Menahalim and Executive Directors – two roles whose partnership can make or break a mosad. In a dynamic, scenario-driven format, participants will tackle real-life challenges: aligning educational vision with fiscal reality, balancing fundraising with chinuch, and representing the school effectively to diverse stakeholders. Through guided discussion and practical tools, this session will highlight how differences can become strengths, how clarity of roles can prevent conflict, and how true collaboration can energize an entire institution. Intriguing, practical, and empowering – this is a unique opportunity to gain insight, skills, and unity in the sacred mission of leading Klal Yisroel’s schools.
Thursday
Thursday
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
The Balancing Act
Aligning Principal Leadership With Organizational Health
Dr. Noam Wasserman
Participants will learn to:
- Use the Action Item Matrix to track accountability.
- Apply the Need / Can / Want tool to clarify roles and capacity.
- Embrace the Collaborative Partner Model for stronger leadership.
- Empower staff and leadership with mission and values
- Practice effective leadership conversations with feedback.
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
The Balancing Act
Aligning Principal Leadership With Organizational Health
Dr. Noam Wasserman
Participants will learn to:
- Use the Action Item Matrix to track accountability.
- Apply the Need / Can / Want tool to clarify roles and capacity.
- Embrace the Collaborative Partner Model for stronger leadership.
- Empower staff and leadership with mission and values
- Practice effective leadership conversations with feedback.
12:30 pm
Working Lunch - From Theory To Application
Idea Implementation
Facilitated discussions on turning workshop ideas into practical action.
12:30 pm
Working Lunch - From Theory To Application
Idea Implementation
Facilitated discussions on turning workshop ideas into practical action.
1:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Unleash Your Team's Potential Through Coaching
Michael Swenson
Unlock your team’s potential with effective feedback and coaching—learn to foster growth, give impactful feedback, apply key coaching skills, and lead through the Coaching Framework.
1:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Unleash Your Team's Potential Through Coaching
Michael Swenson
Unlock your team’s potential with effective feedback and coaching—learn to foster growth, give impactful feedback, apply key coaching skills, and lead through the Coaching Framework.
Wednesday
Wednesday
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
The Hyperactive Principal Syndrome
Kim Marshall
Learn how short, supportive classroom walkthroughs – focused on coaching, not evaluation—can strengthen instruction, build trust, and drive teacher and student growth.
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
The Hyperactive Principal Syndrome
Kim Marshall
Learn how short, supportive classroom walkthroughs – focused on coaching, not evaluation—can strengthen instruction, build trust, and drive teacher and student growth.
10:30 pm - 11:00 pm
How To Apply The Marshall Method In Your School
A Fireside Chat
Mrs. Miriam Gettinger
Join Mrs. Miriam Gettinger for an inspiring fireside chat on three key leadership habits that drive school success—classroom walkthroughs, effective feedback, and meaningful teacher support. Discover how to turn these goals into lasting habits that elevate teaching and learning.
10:30 pm - 11:00 pm
How To Apply The Marshall Method In Your School
A Fireside Chat
Mrs. Miriam Gettinger
Join Mrs. Miriam Gettinger for an inspiring fireside chat on three key leadership habits that drive school success—classroom walkthroughs, effective feedback, and meaningful teacher support. Discover how to turn these goals into lasting habits that elevate teaching and learning.
Thursday
Thursday
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Unleash Your Team's Potential Through Coaching
Michael Swenson
Unlock your team’s potential with effective feedback and coaching—learn to foster growth, give impactful feedback, apply key coaching skills, and lead through the Coaching Framework.
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Unleash Your Team's Potential Through Coaching
Michael Swenson
Unlock your team’s potential with effective feedback and coaching—learn to foster growth, give impactful feedback, apply key coaching skills, and lead through the Coaching Framework.
12:30 pm
Working Lunch - From Theory To Application
Idea Implementation
Facilitated discussions on turning workshop ideas into practical action.
12:30 pm
Working Lunch - From Theory To Application
Idea Implementation
Facilitated discussions on turning workshop ideas into practical action.
1:30 pm - 4:15 pm
The Balancing Act
Aligning Principal Leadership With Organizational Health
Dr. Noam Wasserman
Participants will learn to:
- Use the Action Item Matrix to track accountability.
- Apply the Need / Can / Want tool to clarify roles and capacity.
- Embrace the Collaborative Partner Model for more decisive leadership.
- Empower staff and leadership with mission and values
- Practice effective leadership conversations with feedback.
1:30 pm - 4:15 pm
The Balancing Act
Aligning Principal Leadership With Organizational Health
Dr. Noam Wasserman
Participants will learn to:
- Use the Action Item Matrix to track accountability.
- Apply the Need / Can / Want tool to clarify roles and capacity.
- Embrace the Collaborative Partner Model for more decisive leadership.
- Empower staff and leadership with mission and values
- Practice effective leadership conversations with feedback.
Wednesday
Wednesday
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
A Day In The Life Of A General Studies Principal
Rabbi Ari Schonfeld, Rabbi Akiva Leitner
Join a discussion on the top 10 real challenges that every principal knows all too well.
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
A Day In The Life Of A General Studies Principal
Rabbi Ari Schonfeld, Rabbi Akiva Leitner
Join a discussion on the top 10 real challenges that every principal knows all too well.
Thursday
Thursday
8:30 am
Networking Breakfast
Facilitator: Rabbi Avrohom Glustein
A moderated discussion to network and resolve high-priority challenges faced by principals. An underlying goal will be to facilitate relationships and ongoing network support amongst principals.
8:30 am
Networking Breakfast
Facilitator: Rabbi Avrohom Glustein
A moderated discussion to network and resolve high-priority challenges faced by principals. An underlying goal will be to facilitate relationships and ongoing network support amongst principals.
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Project-Based Learning (Pbl)
What Is It Really?
Rabbi Baruch Hilsenrath
Discover how to develop and implement meaningful extended projects that will create Menuchas Hanefesh in the General Studies Classroom.
Key Features:
Key Features:
- Authentic Learning: Students tackle real life problems that connect classroom learning to life beyond school.
- Student Voice & Choice: Learners make key decisions about their project’s direction, design, and presentation.
- Inquiry & Research: Students engage in sustained questioning, investigation, and critical thinking.
- Collaboration: Teamwork and communication are central as students work together to solve problems.
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Project-Based Learning (Pbl)
What Is It Really?
Rabbi Baruch Hilsenrath
Discover how to develop and implement meaningful extended projects that will create Menuchas Hanefesh in the General Studies Classroom.
Key Features:
Key Features:
- Authentic Learning: Students tackle real life problems that connect classroom learning to life beyond school.
- Student Voice & Choice: Learners make key decisions about their project’s direction, design, and presentation.
- Inquiry & Research: Students engage in sustained questioning, investigation, and critical thinking.
- Collaboration: Teamwork and communication are central as students work together to solve problems.
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Data-Driven Success
From Collection To Classroom Action
Participants will learn to:
- Collect useful data
- Connect to underlying cause
- Act: Match instruction to student needs
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Data-Driven Success
From Collection To Classroom Action
Participants will learn to:
- Collect useful data
- Connect to underlying cause
- Act: Match instruction to student needs
12:30 pm
Working Lunch - From Theory To Application
Idea Implementation
Facilitated discussions on turning workshop ideas into practical action.
12:30 pm
Working Lunch - From Theory To Application
Idea Implementation
Facilitated discussions on turning workshop ideas into practical action.
1:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Unleash Your Team’s Potential Through Coaching
Michael Swenson
Unlock your team’s potential with effective feedback and coaching—learn to foster growth, give impactful feedback, apply key coaching skills, and lead through the Coaching Framework.
1:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Unleash Your Team’s Potential Through Coaching
Michael Swenson
Unlock your team’s potential with effective feedback and coaching—learn to foster growth, give impactful feedback, apply key coaching skills, and lead through the Coaching Framework.
4:45 pm - 5:00 pm
Bringing it All Together
Rabbi Avraham Glustein
Summarizing key takeaways and applying actionable steps back at school.
4:45 pm - 5:00 pm
Bringing it All Together
Rabbi Avraham Glustein
Summarizing key takeaways and applying actionable steps back at school.
Wednesday
Wednesday
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Two Leaders, One Mission
Building Strong Partnerships Between The Menahel And Executive Director
Dr. Noam Wasserman
Hosts: Rabbi Menachem Karmel & Rabbi Fievy Lieberman
This groundbreaking session brings together Menahalim and Executive Directors – two roles whose partnership can make or break a mosad. In a dynamic, scenario-driven format, participants will tackle real-life challenges: aligning educational vision with fiscal reality, balancing fundraising with chinuch, and representing the school effectively to diverse stakeholders. Through guided discussion and practical tools, this session will highlight how differences can become strengths, how clarity of roles can prevent conflict, and how true collaboration can energize an entire institution. Intriguing, practical, and empowering – this is a unique opportunity to gain insight, skills, and unity in the sacred mission of leading Klal Yisroel’s schools.
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Two Leaders, One Mission
Building Strong Partnerships Between The Menahel And Executive Director
Dr. Noam Wasserman
Hosts: Rabbi Menachem Karmel & Rabbi Fievy Lieberman
This groundbreaking session brings together Menahalim and Executive Directors – two roles whose partnership can make or break a mosad. In a dynamic, scenario-driven format, participants will tackle real-life challenges: aligning educational vision with fiscal reality, balancing fundraising with chinuch, and representing the school effectively to diverse stakeholders. Through guided discussion and practical tools, this session will highlight how differences can become strengths, how clarity of roles can prevent conflict, and how true collaboration can energize an entire institution. Intriguing, practical, and empowering – this is a unique opportunity to gain insight, skills, and unity in the sacred mission of leading Klal Yisroel’s schools.
Thursday
Thursday
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Professional Presentations
Looking Good And Sounding Great
Panelists: R' Shloime Steinmetz, Rabbi Yehuda Deutsch, Rabbi David Markowitz
In today’s world, how we present ourselves and our institutions is inseparable from how we are perceived. Our mosdos have evolved into sophisticated organizations — trusted, organized, and strategic — and it’s incumbent upon every leader to match that professionalism. In this dynamic session, top experts from across disciplines and organizations will share real-world insights into the art and impact of professional presentation — both within your institution and to the public. Through practical takeaways and proven best practices, discover how to project confidence, articulate your strengths, and elevate your presence. Whether leading a school, a department, or a project, learn how looking good and sounding great can amplify your message, inspire confidence, and directly strengthen your bottom line.
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Professional Presentations
Looking Good And Sounding Great
Panelists: R' Shloime Steinmetz, Rabbi Yehuda Deutsch, Rabbi David Markowitz
In today’s world, how we present ourselves and our institutions is inseparable from how we are perceived. Our mosdos have evolved into sophisticated organizations — trusted, organized, and strategic — and it’s incumbent upon every leader to match that professionalism. In this dynamic session, top experts from across disciplines and organizations will share real-world insights into the art and impact of professional presentation — both within your institution and to the public. Through practical takeaways and proven best practices, discover how to project confidence, articulate your strengths, and elevate your presence. Whether leading a school, a department, or a project, learn how looking good and sounding great can amplify your message, inspire confidence, and directly strengthen your bottom line.
Concurrent Session 2 - On Time, On Budget, On Point
Project Success In Education
R' Azriel "Ozzie" Burnham
Schools thrive on ideas — new programs, expanded opportunities, improved systems. Yet too often, leaders struggle to move those ideas across the finish line. The result: frustration, wasted effort, and stalled momentum. My session introduces the Finish Line Framework—a clear, practical system for turning vision into achievement. It provides the structure leaders need to plan effectively, involve the right people, establish accountability, track deadlines, and maintain open communication. This is not just project management; it’s about cultivating a culture of execution where projects end not in exhaustion, but in success.
Concurrent Session 2 - On Time, On Budget, On Point
Project Success In Education
R' Azriel "Ozzie" Burnham
Schools thrive on ideas — new programs, expanded opportunities, improved systems. Yet too often, leaders struggle to move those ideas across the finish line. The result: frustration, wasted effort, and stalled momentum. My session introduces the Finish Line Framework—a clear, practical system for turning vision into achievement. It provides the structure leaders need to plan effectively, involve the right people, establish accountability, track deadlines, and maintain open communication. This is not just project management; it’s about cultivating a culture of execution where projects end not in exhaustion, but in success.
12:30 pm
Working Lunch - From Theory To Application
Idea Implementation
Facilitated discussions on turning workshop ideas into practical action.
12:30 pm
Working Lunch - From Theory To Application
Idea Implementation
Facilitated discussions on turning workshop ideas into practical action.
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
What Our Fathers Taught Us
A Panel About Leadership & Building Klal Yisroel
Panelists: Rabbi Aron Kotler, R' Chaim Rajchenbach, & Mr. Moshe Wolfson
Moderator: Rabbi Yisroel Meir Merkin
They were the giants who built the institutions that shaped our nation — visionaries whose courage, conviction, and leadership laid the foundations of Klal Yisroel’s success. We’ve read their stories and celebrated their achievements, but what truly drove them? In this powerful and revealing session, hear directly from their children — the ones who watched history unfold up close. Through personal reflections, untold stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, discover the values, sacrifices, and moments of inspiration that defined their fathers’ lives and legacies. What Our Fathers Taught Us is more than a tribute — it’s a masterclass in leadership, faith, and the timeless mission of building Klal Yisroel.
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
What Our Fathers Taught Us
A Panel About Leadership & Building Klal Yisroel
Panelists: Rabbi Aron Kotler, R' Chaim Rajchenbach, & Mr. Moshe Wolfson
Moderator: Rabbi Yisroel Meir Merkin
They were the giants who built the institutions that shaped our nation — visionaries whose courage, conviction, and leadership laid the foundations of Klal Yisroel’s success. We’ve read their stories and celebrated their achievements, but what truly drove them? In this powerful and revealing session, hear directly from their children — the ones who watched history unfold up close. Through personal reflections, untold stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, discover the values, sacrifices, and moments of inspiration that defined their fathers’ lives and legacies. What Our Fathers Taught Us is more than a tribute — it’s a masterclass in leadership, faith, and the timeless mission of building Klal Yisroel.
2:45 pm
The Elevator Pitch 2.0
Hosted by: R' Yitzchok Saftlas
Five Executive Directors will have 120 seconds to pitch their newest initiative, campaign, or project for a chance to win $10,000 ($5k for the Mossad & $5k for YOU). A panel of philanthropists will choose the winner.
2:45 pm
The Elevator Pitch 2.0
Hosted by: R' Yitzchok Saftlas
Five Executive Directors will have 120 seconds to pitch their newest initiative, campaign, or project for a chance to win $10,000 ($5k for the Mossad & $5k for YOU). A panel of philanthropists will choose the winner.
Wednesday
Wednesday
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Planting The Seeds Today, Seeing The Fruits For Generations
Mrs. Amit Yaghoubi
This session explores the long-term impact of education, highlighting how the values, skills, and inspiration we instill in students today shape not only their futures but also those of future generations.
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Planting The Seeds Today, Seeing The Fruits For Generations
Mrs. Amit Yaghoubi
This session explores the long-term impact of education, highlighting how the values, skills, and inspiration we instill in students today shape not only their futures but also those of future generations.
9:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Who'S Who
Identifying The Specialist In The Room
9:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Who'S Who
Identifying The Specialist In The Room
9:30 pm - 10:30 pm
The Everything Job
Mrs. Rivka Dear, Mrs. Becky Udman
This will be a team-building activity, a roadmap for the Early Childhood Directors to maximize their time at the Pre-Convention.
9:30 pm - 10:30 pm
The Everything Job
Mrs. Rivka Dear, Mrs. Becky Udman
This will be a team-building activity, a roadmap for the Early Childhood Directors to maximize their time at the Pre-Convention.
Thursday
Thursday
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Unleash Your Team'S Potential Through Coaching
Michael Swenson
Unlock your team’s potential with effective feedback and coaching—learn to foster growth, give impactful feedback, apply key coaching skills, and lead through the Coaching Framework.
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Unleash Your Team'S Potential Through Coaching
Michael Swenson
Unlock your team’s potential with effective feedback and coaching—learn to foster growth, give impactful feedback, apply key coaching skills, and lead through the Coaching Framework.
12:30 pm
Working Lunch - From Theory To Application
Idea Implementation
Facilitated discussions on turning workshop ideas into practical action.
12:30 pm
Working Lunch - From Theory To Application
Idea Implementation
Facilitated discussions on turning workshop ideas into practical action.
1:30 pm - 4:15 pm
And The Job List Grows …The Many Jobs Of A Preschool Director
Mrs. Rivka Dear, Mrs. Becky Udman
Building on your team’s talents, we will focus on who they are, what roles they play, and how their skill set enables us to do our job as school leaders.
1:30 pm - 4:15 pm
And The Job List Grows …The Many Jobs Of A Preschool Director
Mrs. Rivka Dear, Mrs. Becky Udman
Building on your team’s talents, we will focus on who they are, what roles they play, and how their skill set enables us to do our job as school leaders.
Wednesday
Wednesday
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Hadracha From A Master Mechanech
Rabbi Noach Orlowek, shlita
Guidance on timely issues for those in the world of education and special education.
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Hadracha From A Master Mechanech
Rabbi Noach Orlowek, shlita
Guidance on timely issues for those in the world of education and special education.
9:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Motivation and Executive Function
Dr. George McCloskey
Participants will learn to:
- Set up tasks to engage the unmotivated learner
- Cultivate students’ self-determination and self-awareness using goal setting, motivational interviewing
9:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Motivation and Executive Function
Dr. George McCloskey
Participants will learn to:
- Set up tasks to engage the unmotivated learner
- Cultivate students’ self-determination and self-awareness using goal setting, motivational interviewing
Thursday
Thursday
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
From External Control To Internal Strategies
Moving Students To Independent Executive Function
Dr. George McCloskey
Participants will learn to:
- Differentiate between learning and production difficulties
- from external control to internal self-regulation through bridging strategies
- Use reflective questioning and cognitive strategy instruction to bridge from external to internal EF control
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
From External Control To Internal Strategies
Moving Students To Independent Executive Function
Dr. George McCloskey
Participants will learn to:
- Differentiate between learning and production difficulties
- from external control to internal self-regulation through bridging strategies
- Use reflective questioning and cognitive strategy instruction to bridge from external to internal EF control
12:30 pm
Working Lunch - From Theory To Application
Idea Implementation
Facilitated discussions on turning workshop ideas into practical action.
12:30 pm
Working Lunch - From Theory To Application
Idea Implementation
Facilitated discussions on turning workshop ideas into practical action.
Concurrent Session 2: Leveraging Assessments
Kim Marshall
Participants will learn to use assessments to:
- Level the playing field by preventing knowledge and skill gaps, fostering a growth mindset, and building students’ self-reliance.
- Improve learning in real time by spotting and fixing student struggles during lessons, improving retention through the “retrieval effect”, and leveraging peer instruction.
Concurrent Session 2: Leveraging Assessments
Kim Marshall
Participants will learn to use assessments to:
- Level the playing field by preventing knowledge and skill gaps, fostering a growth mindset, and building students’ self-reliance.
- Improve learning in real time by spotting and fixing student struggles during lessons, improving retention through the “retrieval effect”, and leveraging peer instruction.