Yael Shnider, 4th Grade
BIO: Ms. Yael Shnider was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, where she grew up within a tight-knit Jewish community and a family that was heavily involved and integrated within that community. Yael attended Leibler Yavneh College and upon graduating, spent a year abroad in Israel, where she took part in a program that taught me the scope of sequence of what it is like to live like an Israeli. Once returning from her year abroad she began her studies in the field of Nursing. Throughout her first year in nursing school, Yael realized that while she was meant to be in a service profession Nursing was not hercalling and that is when her journey in the field Education began. One year later, she was accepted into a Bachelor of Primary Education degree (four year degree), which ultimately was the start of something new and special. She had always loved to be around children, be a part of a profession, which is consistently on the go as opposed to sitting at a desk all day.
Yael took part in four teaching rounds (internships), which facilitated her learning and experience of what being a qualified teacher entails. Two of those rounds were at the most prestigious schools in Melbourne, Mount Scopus Memorial College and Bialik College. In 2019, when I graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree with distinction, she was fortunate enough to land a teaching job for Grades 3 and 4, at a public school in East Melbourne. Throughout my 3 years of experiences teaching she has had the privilege of working with a diverse group of students.
Educational Philosophy: I believe that all children, regardless of age, ability, religion, gender, socio-economic status and nationality have the right to learn. It is my duty as their teacher to ensure that all students feel a sense of belonging by embracing each child’s differences. This has enabled me to create a safe learning environment for everyone to succeed and feel safe in. I believe that learning is a shared experience, between the teacher, colleagues, students and parents. It is vital to build strong relationships with those who you work with in order to build trust in one another.
I love being a teacher. Watching students grow and learn is the biggest achievement I have experienced as an educator. I love the impact I have on children. I try to instill the values of respect and kindness within my students and aim to give them a multitude of learning opportunities.
As an educator, I believe this can be accomplished by taking interest in the students’ individual lives. I ensure to provide a space where students feel motivated and supported during their learning. My personal values of kindness, community, learning and diversity create a warm atmosphere in my classroom, which will ensure that each student feels a sense of belonging.
What I am looking forward to: I am looking forward to being a part of Mazel Day’s mission and the tight knit community they have created both within the school and outside of the school. I am also looking forward to creating an inquiry-based learning space for children to learn and flourish in.
Favorite memory from being a student: When I was in Grade 3, my classroom teacher had a classroom pet bird. Every weekend he would give a student in the class the responsibility to take the classroom pet bird home and look after it. Not only was it exciting to take this pet bird home and care for it, but it taught me the skill of responsibility.
Best advice to parents: To have open communication with the classroom teacher which is ultimately key and to ensure that your child has a consistent routine at home with their learning and extra-curricular activities.
If I could teach my students one thing it would be: To live life to its fullest and with respect and integrity.
If I would not become a teacher I would have become: A veterinary nurse.
A trick I use in the classroom is: Brain and food breaks to help the students refocus and re-energize.
Outside of the school: I like to exercise, go shopping, be out with friends and try new, tasty food.