TEACHER TALK
GET TO KNOW OUR AWESOME HADAR FACULTY
MRS. HAIK
Where did you grow up?
Mrs. Haik: I was born in Lakewood, New Jersey but grew up in Toms River, New Jersey.
What do you do in your free time?
Mrs. Haik: I spend time with my children and family. We like to bake, cook, swim and do all of those fun family activities.
What is an interesting fact about you that we wouldn’t know?
Mrs. Haik: I’m actually a speech pathologist. I went to school and got my Masters in speech therapy. I worked with children that had developmental disabilities.
What is your position at Hadar?
Mrs. Haik: Student Activity Coordinator
What element about Hadar do you enjoy most?
Mrs. Haik: It's a very positive and friendly atmosphere where I feel inspired everyday when I leave.
MRS. SCHOCHET
Where did you grow up?
Mrs. Schochet: I grew up In Staten Island, NY- born and bred! I didn’t move until I got married!
What did you do in your free time?
Mrs. Schochet: Free time? What free time? I studied round the clock!! Just kidding- hanging out with my friends and family was my favorite thing to do!
What is an interesting fact about you that we wouldn’t know?
Mrs. Schochet: I became an aunt when I was 10! First aunt in my class!
What is your position at Hadar?
Mrs. Schochet: I am the Judaic Studies Principal and I teach Navi.
What element about Hadar do you enjoy most?
Mrs. Schochet:
The girls! BH I love our girls and teaching them in addition to growing alongside them is my favorite part of Hadar! They are so inspiring to me!
MRS. LANDSBERG
Where did you grow up?
Mrs. Landsberg: I grew up in Edison, NJ
What do you do in your free time?
Mrs. Landsberg: I love reading novels, baking breads & desserts and exercising.
What is an interesting fact about you that we wouldn’t know?
Mrs. Landsberg: My son was born in Atlanta, GA during Hurricane Irma.
What is your position at Hadar?
Mrs. Landsberg: Director of Business Affairs & Donor Development
What element about Hadar do you enjoy most?
Mrs. Landsberg: I love the warmth and energy that the students bring every single day!
RABBI SCHOCHET
Where did you grow up?
Rabbi Schochet: Fairlawn, NJ
What do you do in your free time?
Rabbi Schochet: Learn and hang out with my family.
What is an interesting fact about you that we wouldn’t know?
Rabbi Schochet: I always wanted to be a lawyer; I really want to learn to how to play guitar.
What is your position at Hadar?
Rabbi Schochet: Head of School & Rebbe
What element about Hadar do you enjoy most?
Rabbi Schochet: I love the fact that each of our students on the one hand can be themselves and feel a sense of individuality, while at the same time each student has tremendous pride of being a “Hadar girl".
MRS. RIGOL
Where did you grow up?
Mrs. Rigol: Miami
What do you do in your free time?
Mrs. Rigol: Read and learn🤓
What is an interesting fact about you that we wouldn’t know?
Mrs. Rigol: I won an archery contest in college! 🏹
What is your position at Hadar?
Mrs. Rigol: I teach biology, chemistry, and math.
What element about Hadar do you enjoy most?
Mrs. Rigol: I love that Hadar feels like a big family! Going to work every day feels like coming to a home away from home. 🥰
MRS. BENDEL
Where did you grow up?
Mrs. Bendel: Born and raised in Miami Beach, FL.
What do you do in your free time?
Mrs. Bendel: I like to do anything outdoors including running, walking (fast only), hiking mini trails and sitting by any body of water. I also like to read, journal and do anything relaxing.
What is an interesting fact about you that we wouldn’t know?
Mrs. Bendel:
I eat cold pizza for breakfast sometimes and would gladly eat cold cholent too…
(just not for breakfast) ;)
What is your position at Hadar?
Mrs. Bendel: Teacher/School Guidance Counselor
What element about Hadar do you enjoy most?
Mrs. Bendel: I love everything about Hadar, so everyday I have a new answer. Today my answer is the creativity and talent that is constantly brought to life by the exceptional students. I love seeing their ideas turned into action and am constantly amazed at the unique qualities that each student brings to the table.
MRS. JACOBS
Where did you grow up?
Mrs. Jacobs:
I grew up in Boca. I lived in NY for College and the first few years of marriage but came back, because Boca is the best :)
What do you do in your free time?
Mrs. Jacobs: I play with my two little kiddies!
What is an interesting fact about you that we wouldn’t know?
Mrs. Jacobs: I have my Masters in social work from Fordham University.
What is your position at Hadar?
Mrs. Jacobs: I am the administrative assistant.
What element about Hadar do you enjoy most?
Mrs. Jacobs: I absolutely love the environment and the energy of the girls. I especially love how excited the girls get to come to my office and get chocolate :)
MR. BURNS
Where did you grow up?
Mr. Burns: Eustis, FL (45 min. outside of Orlando, FL)
What do you do in your free time?
Mr. Burns: I play with my girls, Zoe 4 years old and Savannah 1.5 years old; Hang with Family and friends, Golf.
What is an interesting fact about you that we wouldn’t know?
Mr. Burns: I run a marketing company called Imprint Specialties and a Digital Signage company called Display Dojo when I am not teaching at Hadar.
I converted to Judaism in 2014.
What is your position at Hadar?
Mr. Burns: Graphic Design & Art Teacher
What element about Hadar do you enjoy most?
Mr. Burns: The small, intimate setting and the fun, exciting and family oriented culture.
DR. WILLE
Where did you grow up?
Dr. Wille: I grew up in Belgium. I was born in Ghent, a medieval city, but spent my youth in the countryside nearby. I loved growing up surrounded by farms, exploring nature, and the feeling of a small village where everybody knew everybody.
What do you do in your free time?
Dr. Wille:
I like to spend time with my family either at home or on joint trips to foreign countries.
My wife and I are also great fans of opera and classical music and try to attend live
performances whenever we have a chance.
What is an interesting fact about you that we wouldn’t know?
Dr. Wille:
When I was about 18 I was in the top 5 of chess players in Belgium in my age group.I played several future grandmasters and quickly realized that they had so much more sheer talent that I could never catch up. This did not diminish my enjoyment of the game,but it made me appreciate what a wonderful thing the human brain is.
What is your position at Hadar?
Dr. Wille: I teach physics to 11th graders and Calculus AB AP to seniors.
What element about Hadar do you enjoy most?
Dr. Wille: Hadar is one big family where we are all invested in each other's success. The teachers and administrators truly care about you and are committed to your continued growth. Your fellow students will be your support group and may well become lifelong friends. Personally, I have learned a great deal from teaching at the high school level, both from the students and from my fellow faculty members. Life is a journey of continued growth and I am so happy that Hadar is part of my journey.