Keser Shem Tov
Educational Consulting for the Jewish Community
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Children who do not fit into the traditional educational model of the Yeshiva system often end up at a loss as to how to best pursue their education. Keser Shem Tov guides families in designing productive alternative learning options for Jewish teens in need of personalized educational programs. We provide educational guidance and alternative learning approaches that are designed to tap into and support the natural talents of young people.
Children who do not fit into the traditional educational model of the Yeshiva system often end up at a loss as to how to best pursue their education. Keser Shem Tov guides families in designing productive alternative learning options for Jewish teens in need of personalized educational programs. We provide educational guidance and alternative learning approaches that are designed to tap into and support the natural talents of young people.
Approach:
We aim to give all children in our community the opportunity to find success in ways that make sense for them as individuals, be they in or out of the traditional yeshiva setting, and regardless of their personal history. Through alternative learning models and the development of a deep sense of purpose, KST supports young people in pursuing their own unique path forward in developing into productive members of the Jewish community. We help arrange opportunities such as individualized learning, internships, test preparation, community service, and vocational training to help young people actualize their potential.
Our approach is based on the idea that people are natural learners and that they learn best when they are invested in the learning process. When children, supported by a community of adults, are given the opportunity to explore strengths and to express their natural talents, they are equipped to build their sense of self and actualize their potential. By giving students the opportunity to direct their own learning, they build the tools needed to develop into proud, productive members of the Jewish community.
"אין אדם לומד אלא במקום שלבו חפץ"
"אין אדם לומד אלא במקום שלבו חפץ"
"A person only learns in a place that his heart desires"
Who is Keser Shem Tov for?
Teens who are bright, but struggle at school
Teens whose strengths lie in areas such as hands-on skills, the arts, outdoor skills, or entrepreneurial creativity, and who yearn to be able to express their passions
Teens who are facing medical or emotional challenges that require time and space for them to be able to manage
Teens who find the structure of a traditional school setting stifling and who need a model that provides less pressure and more flexibility in their lives
Teens who thrive when actively learning areas of their own interest and passion, at their own pace and in their own way
Baruch's Journey
Baruch had been to a number of yeshivas over his teenage years. He faced a difficult family situation at home, and he came across as very quiet and closed and he did not connect well with others. Through discussions with his former yeshivas, we were able to figure out a path for Baruch to graduate. He took courses at a local tutoring center and gained the skills he needed to finish his high school diploma and to take the SATs. Armed with a sense of dignity and belonging, he then felt that he was ready to lift himself up and spend time learning in Eretz Yisroel where he became a productive member of his yeshiva community before moving on to the next stages in his life.
Our Process:
Step 1: Get to know the teen well. What are this child's areas of interest and ability, and how can we help this child thrive in those areas? We then work on identifying or designing a program that will best meet that child's needs and accentuate strengths.
Step 2: We form a "team" around the child which supports the child in his or her growth in every way possible. The team usually consists of family members, close friends, educators, and community members who join forces to help provide varied opportunities for the child to succeed.
Step 3: Design an educational program that specifically meets the needs of the teen, keeping in mind short-term and long-term goals.
Step 4: Maintain consistent communication and check-ins in order to make adjustments as necessary along the way.
Services:
Consultation
One-time meetings designed to help parents better understand their children’s needs and the resources available to help them address those needs.
Liaison / Co-op Program
Provide support and guidance for families and yeshivos in working together to form an alternative program that meets the specific needs of the child within their setting.
Individualized Learning
We use “out-of-the-box” methods and resources to create an individualized program that truly allows the child to thrive in a way that works for him or her.
Rabbi Yaakov Mintz, Educational Consultant
Keser Shem Tov is headed by Rabbi Yaakov Mintz, a seasoned mechanech and educational leader who has developed, through professional training and personal experience, alternative educational paths for children in our community. Yaakov has trained in Alternative and At Risk Education, Self-Directed Learning, and Positive Youth Development, and has used these methods to help children in the Jewish community who have not found success in traditional educational settings. He works as Educational Advocate with Work At It, helping teens find their path forward, and has consulted for yeshivas as to how to best address the needs of students who do not fit into the traditional school model.
Testimonials:
“It has been a sincere pleasure to collaborate with Yaakov Mintz in helping my daughter figure out the next steps in her education. The help that he has offered to guide my daughter back towards functional education goals and professional achievements would never have been achieved in a mainstream academic environment. Yaakov takes kids who can't get stuffed into the traditional societal molds, and makes society work for them, and we're so grateful.”
Mrs. S. - Brooklyn, NY
"When I needed motivation and wasn’t taking initiative on my own, you really helped to encourage me to keep trying even when that was the last thing I wanted to do. The positive check in’s and constant reminders that I can do it really ensured that I could.
I never thought It would be possible I’d go to college or get my diploma."
“Beis Yaakov Dropout” -Monsey, NY
"We had no idea how to find a school suitable for our youngest daughter. Her style and needs are so different from those of our older children!
After speaking with us and our daughter, Yaakov had several suggestions of local schools I had never heard of!
He coached us every step of the way with great kindness and patience. Our daughter is currently attending a great program, her life is back on track!"
Mrs. B - Brooklyn, NY
For more information - Please call or text 917 968 2327 or email Yaakov@KSTEdConsulting.com
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