Dedicated Educators
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
All of Shorashim Academy’s teachers are highly qualified professionals who provide lifelong skills and education, while connecting with their students and serving as genuine role models.
Gur Berman
GUR BERMAN
Head of School
Rabbi Dr. Gur Berman has a 20+ year career in education and over ten years of experience as a school leader in both private and public charter schools. Most prominently, he was the principal of the Kendall and Plantation Ben Gamla Charter Schools. Currently, he serves as the Director of General Studies at Yeshiva Toras Chaim Toras Emes, overseeing the general studies education of over 1,000 students. Rabbi Dr. Berman is particularly adept at assembling, supporting, and retaining motivated, loyal, and highly effective faculty and staff and working with that team to exceed the expectations of all school stakeholders. He adheres scrupulously to the concept that “authentic leadership begins at the top,” which requires personal values and integrity to inform all professional decision making. Focusing on building and maintaining relationships with staff, students, and parents, he follows a philosophy of respect and collaboration to achieve mutual goals.
ISAAC MELNICK
ISAAC MELNICK
Executive Director
Rabbi Isaac Melnick was educator-turned-director of the highly successful Torah 4 Everyone (T4E) afterschool program at Ben Gamla Charter School for 12 years. With his combination of strong leadership skills and financial accountability, the T4E program gained an outstanding reputation and grew to an enrollment of close to 250 students. Most recently, he was the Dean of the Brauser Maimonides Academy Middle School, where he supported teachers and helped create a more positive school culture. Highly skilled in creating firm but positive relationships with his students, Rabbi Melnick encourages his students to be their best.
MIRIAM MELNICK
MIRIAM MELNICK
Executive Assistant
Morah Miriam Melnick was a teacher and Assistant Director at the Torah 4 Everyone Afterschool Program at Ben Gamla Charter School for 12 years. Every year, she captivated her students with warmth and creativity. Morah Miriam used her experience as Co-Director of Camp Coolanu to create dynamic and innovative Torah lessons that helped her students learn in a fun and entertaining environment. Her warmth and genuine love for her students helps create a school that children feel happy and safe attending.
ELLEN KOPPEL
ELLEN KOPPEL
Director of School Climate and Citizenship
Mrs. Ellen Koppel has over 20 years of experience working in private and public charter schools, ensuring a socially and emotionally safe school environment for all members of the school’s community. Expert at providing meaningful learning opportunities, Mrs. Koppel helps students become more emotionally and socially flexible, competent, sensitive, and aware.