Students can move mountains.  A teacher's job is to show them how. 

 

A Kohelet Yeshiva student learns early on that their voice matters. They are encouraged to explore and investigate, to comment and to question. Their active participation in the learning process gives rise to organic, meaningful, and deeply rooted relationships with the world around them, with G-d, with the Torah and with Israel. 

 

At an Orthodox Jewish institution, student voice is carefully balanced with the established concepts of kavod for the adults who foster their empowerment and—of course—the respect that is due to Torah and mitzvot. 

 

What does "student-centered" mean in grades K-8? It means affording opportunities for students to step up and lead, while teachers step to the side as supervising guides. It means empowering students to take control of their own learning by making choices about what work to do, how, and when. Although each student must complete all tasks assigned by a teacher, allowing them input into the order in which they do it, the modality they use to express it, or a focal point within it, can make all the difference in a child's attitude and engagement with school. 

 

In high school, student empowerment is taken to a new level. Student are imbued with the confidence to articulate and advocate for themselves: this is who I am, this is what I need, this is where I can lead and this is where I can use some support. 

 

Through an active student government, Kohelet Yeshiva High School students have the ability to shape and mold school-wide programs and activities.  The Student Liaison Committee reviews policies and procedures, and meets with the administration on a regular basis to share the student perspective and ensure that the student voice is heard.  Their voice also plays in an active role in defining the types of extra-curriculars and sports that are offered each year in the high school.  These invaluable experiences offer students firsthand, real-world experience in being agents of positive change in their communities and in their world.