Teacher Replacements Hired to Fill Positions

By Isaac Shiner

Following the untimely death of extraordinary and beloved Ida Crown Jewish Academy alumnus and faculty member, Rabbi Barry Robinson, administration members faced the difficult task to replace the five varied courses he was teaching for the 2018-2019 school year.

Rabbi Zev Drutman was hired as the replacement for the math 2 course taught to sophomores. Rabbi Drutman also works as a regular substitute teacher at ICJA and teaches calculus at Meor HaTorah. He graduated from the University of Delaware with degrees in mathematics and is currently working on a masters in math education.

Rabbi Yishai Broner, has rejoined the ICJA faculty as the senior rebbe for the remainder of this academic year. Rabbi Broner previously taught Gemara at ICJA starting in the year 2000, before leaving the school in 2009 to work in business. As a Gemara teacher, Rabbi Broner is known for the relationships he establishes with his students. Additionally, he previously held the position as executive director for the Torah MiTzion Kollel.

Rabbi Broner explains that he wants to “inspire students to enjoy learning.”

Hillel Stadlan, a senior, called Rabbi Broner’s class “thought provoking.”

ICJA teacher Rabbi Michael Myers assumes the position of a Chumash teacher for one senior class and Rabbi Binyomin Segal now teaches AP Computer Science in addition to his Judaic studies courses, STEM courses and position as Instructional Technology Coordinator.

Richard Kassman was hired to fulfill a position as an AP Calculus BC teacher. He is an experienced educator in the math and science department. Mr. Kassman has formerly taught at Fasman High School and Meor HaTorah; he also has experience tutoring students for the ACT, SAT, and MCAT exams.

The students of Rabbi Robinson’s former classes are saddened by his passing. Dahlia Matanky, ‘21, a student in Drutman’s Math 2 class said, “After hearing all the wonderful things at Rabbi Robinson’s funeral, it truly saddens me that not only did he pass, but that I was never given a full opportunity to learn with him.” However, the new teachers are working hard to ensure a smooth transition and success for all their students. Rabbi Segal said, “I hope my students develop awe for the wonders and delights of computer programming, and are prepared to ace the AP exam at the end of the year.”

This article originally appeared in The Crown Prints student newspaper and was reposted here with permission.