Dedicated Educators
OUR TEACHERS
Highly qualified educators choose to teach at Shorashim Academy because of our safe, respectful, and responsible environment. Our teachers empower students with lifelong skills and knowledge while building meaningful connections and serving as authentic role models.
Meet Our Highly Effective Teachers
We firmly believe that teachers are a school’s backbone. Therefore, we prioritize supporting our teachers, ensuring they feel valued.
Our KINDERGARTEN Teachers
The best way to learn is through play and exploration.
Sheryl Rosenthal
Sheryl Rosenthal
Kindergarten Teacher - General Studies
Learning can be fun, and it certainly is in Mrs. Rosenthal’s classroom where students learn through play and exploration. Her warmth, care, and excellent classroom management skills make her an exceptional educator that children and parents absolutely adore.
With her Florida Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 and ESOL certification coupled with over a decade of teaching experience at American Heritage and Toras Emes, Mrs. Rosenthal has the ability to teach her students the foundations and to guide them as they develop into emergent readers by the year’s end.
Lessons should be clear, interactive, and impactful for a true learning experience.
Barbara Sterling
Barbara Sterling
Kindergarten Teacher - General Studies
Mrs. Barbara Sterling brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for education to Shorashim Academy as our kindergarten grade teacher.
Before relocating to S. Florida, Mrs. Sterling was a valued educator at Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy in Stamford, Connecticut for over twenty years. Before joining the Shorashim family, she had been teaching at Brauser Maimonides Academy.
Mrs. Sterling is a certified elementary school teacher, with a master’s degree in elementary education. Mrs. Sterling is known for her unwavering dedication to meeting the unique needs of each of her students. She excels at creating a supportive and engaging learning environment, ensuring that her lessons are clear, interactive, and impactful.
Students thrive in a warm and consistent environment.
Shulamit Fishman
Shulamit Fishman
Kindergarten Teacher - Judaic Studies
Morah Shulamit Fishman is dedicated to creating a warm and consistent classroom environment where students feel safe, valued, and eager to learn. With a nurturing approach, Morah Shulamit builds strong relationships with her students, helping them thrive both academically and personally. Her structured routines and clear expectations provide a sense of stability that empowers students and encourages explorative learning. Morah Shulamit believes that a positive classroom atmosphere is the foundation for lifelong learning, and she strives to inspire each child to reach their full potential.
Every child deserves love and encouragement, both at home and at school.
Tova Jeter
Tova Jeter
Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Our kindergarten assistant, Morah Tova Jeter, brings a wealth of love and care to our classroom, creating a nurturing environment for each child. Much like a dedicated class mom, she ensures every student feels valued and supported.
With prior experience as a shadow for a special needs student, Morah Tova understands the unique needs of every child and is committed to helping them thrive both academically and socially. Her warm personality and attentive nature make Morah Tova an invaluable part of our kindergarten team.
Students should be taught in a way that is engaging, interesting, and informative.
Robin Gare
Robin Gare
Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
We are thrilled to have our Hebrew teacher, Mrs. Robin Gare, also join our Kindergarten as the assistant teacher. Mrs. Gare is passionate about teaching the beautiful language of Ivrit to her students. With a teaching style that is engaging, interesting, and informative, Mrs. Gare connects Ivrit to Torah, Tefillot, and everyday conversation.
Having lived in Israel for 16 years, including her time serving as a soldier in Tzahal, Mrs. Gare brings personal insight to her teaching. She has successfully taught a diverse range of learners, including 4th graders, Bar/Bat Mitzvah classes, high school students, and adults.
Our FIRST GRADE Teachers
Whole brain teaching activates all parts of the brain, ensuring success for students of all abilities.
Florencia Coane
Florencia Coane
First Grade Teacher - General Studies
Mrs. Flo Coane is an experienced educator with a proven record of helping a diverse range of students meet their varying goals. She achieves this through collaboration and innovative thinking, and always being able to listen to the needs at hand. By creating engaging experiences in multiple modalities, Mrs. Coane uses whole brain teaching to focus on the needs of the individual student.
Prior to joining Shorashim Academy, Mrs. Coane taught at the Jewish Cooperative School, where she supported both the academic and behavioral success of her students. As a certified teacher specializing in English for Speakers of Other Languages, she is skilled in implementing teaching methods that prioritize the individual learning needs of her students.
Structured and multisensory teaching fosters enjoyable and motivating learning experiences.
SARAH MARGOLESE
SARAH MARGOLESE
First Grade Teacher - Secular & Judaic Studies
Mrs. Sarah Margolese is an outstanding educator who has turned her childhood dream into a reality. Her commitment to her students’ growth and well-being is evident in the nurturing environment she creates that allows every child to thrive as a beginning reader.
Mrs. Margolese attributes her success to her meticulousness in designing engaging and purposeful lessons, continuously seeking innovative ways to enhance her effectiveness in the classroom. Her genuine delight in working with children charges her classroom with a vibrant and positive energy, which she enthusiastically brings to all aspects of her teaching, including the teaching of phonics and spelling. By using the Fundations curriculum, she teaches these subjects using a carefully structured, multisensory method that is also fun and motivating.
With a bachelor’s degree in education and a decade of teaching experience, Mrs. Margolese has taught at Yeshiva Elementary School, The Jewish Cooperative School, and Mizrahi Torah Academy.
Her unwavering dedication and effective teaching techniques makes Mrs. Margolese an invaluable asset to Shorashim Academy.
A positive learning environment is essential for students to reach their unique potential.
Rochel Broocker
Rochel Broocker
First Grade Teacher - Judaic Studies
Students of diverse needs all thrive in Morah Rochel Broocker’s class. With her experience in designing differentiated lessons, Morah Rochel is able to cater to special education, mainstream, and gifted students alike. By incorporating Montessori-inspired, hands-on activities and manipulatives, Morah Rochel fosters full engagement, encouraging active exploration and a love of learning.
Morah Rochel holds a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Education, along with a certified teaching credential. With experience in traditional, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia educational settings, Morah Rochel is committed to fostering a positive learning environment where students are empowered to reach their full potential.
Our SECOND GRADE Teachers
A differentiated and multicultural classroom prioritizes the individual student's learning needs.
Laurie Cusco
Laurie Cusco
Second Grade Co-Teacher - General Studies
Mrs. Laurie Cusco recognizes the significance of a strong home-to-school connection. Firmly believing in cultivating strong relationships with parents, she understands that maintaining open lines of communication with parents is vital to a student’s success.
Equipped with a bachelor’s degree in education, Mrs. Cusco sports an impressive repertoire of over three decades of educational experience from both public and private schools. In addition, Mrs. Cusco holds specialized Florida certifications in Reading, Exceptional Student Education, and English for Speakers of Other Languages, making her adept in fostering differentiated and multicultural classrooms that prioritize the individual learning needs of her students.
At Shorashim Academy, Mrs. Cusco’s expertise and dedication will ensure a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where each student thrives.
A strong home to school connection is crucial for students to succeed.
Rebecca Joseph
Rebecca Joseph
Second Grade Co-Teacher - General Studies
Walk into Mrs. Rebecca Joseph’s classroom and you will immediately feel the warmth and positive energy. Creative and witty, with an ever-positive attitude, she cultivates a happy learning environment, transforming mundane lessons into captivating experiences. Mrs. Joseph actively fosters a classroom community with both students and parents. By sharing the weekly curriculum goals with parents, she facilitates an inclusive environment where even those with limited English proficiency, such as ESOL parents, can enhance their language skills along with their children. Mrs. Joseph recognizes the integral role parents play in their child’s education and strives to eliminate any intimidation in the relationship.
With her K-6 certification, masters degree, reading & ESOL courses, coupled with her many years of experience teaching elementary school, Mrs. Joseph has the ability to ignite every student’s passion for learning. Drawing from her experiences as both a parent and teacher in the public and private school systems, she deeply appreciates that the early grades are the foundation for a successful academic career.
Lilmod v' Lilamed-A great teacher helps students remember what they learn and be inspired to share it with family and friends.
Goldie Berger
Goldie Berger
Second Grade Teacher - Judaic Studies
Morah Goldie Berger teaches with a clear goal: For her students to remember what they learn and be inspired to share it with family and friends. Her genuine concern for each student’s progress and educational well-being creates a classroom filled with mutual respect and warmth. With a focus on every individual student’s performance, Morah Goldie recognizes what is to be applauded while supporting areas that need strengthening. With her strong organizational skills and care for detail, Morah Goldie creates a classroom environment where each child can succeed.
Our THIRD GRADE Teachers
Organizational skills build the foundation for successful learning.
Lisa Manasse
LISA MANASSE
Third Grade Teacher - General Studies
Step into Mrs. Lisa Manasse’s classroom, and the atmosphere of calm, focused learning is immediately apparent. As she prides teaching organization before academics, Mrs. Manasse’s students are well-prepared for success as they move on from her class. Known for building firm yet positive relationships with her students, Mrs. Manasse encourages them to always strive to be their best.
With a master’s degree in elementary and early childhood education, Mrs. Manasse specialized in children’s literature and sociology. As a gifted-endorsed, state certified teacher who has completed all ESOL training, she has worked in Florida and New York public and private schools since 1994.
A teacher's love for their students always shines through.
Yossi Doch
YOSSI DOCH
Third Grade Teacher - Judaic Studies
Info Coming Soon…
Our FOURTH GRADE Teachers
Quote coming soon...
ANGELA MIZRAHI
Angela MizrahI
FOURTH Grade Teacher - General Studies
Info Coming Soon…
Learning should spark enthusiasm, not boredom.
JASON SEGELBAUM
Jason Segelbaum
FOURTH Grade Teacher - Judaic Studies
Learning in Rabbi Jason Segelbaum’s class is never boring. Walk into his classroom, and the enthusiasm is palpable. Acting, humor, and contests all drive the excitement to learn.
As the director of EMTZA, NCSY’s middle school program, and years of experience as a star Judaic afterschool educator, Rabbi Jason understands kids and fun. With a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility combined with his sense of humor, Rabbi Jason’s students only get the best.
Our FIFTH GRADE Teachers
Students thrive with a student-centered, social and emotional learning approach.
Goldie Berman
Goldie Berman
Fifth Grade Teacher - Secular Studies
We are thrilled that our Judaic Studies Principal, Mrs. Goldie Berman, will be sharing her outstanding teaching abilities with our fifth grade students. As a certified teacher and experienced educator in both Judaic and secular studies, Mrs. Berman has taught grades ranging from kindergarten to 8th. She founded an enrichment program for struggling students at Yeshiva Toras Chaim Toras Emes and has been trained in several reading programs, including the Orton-Gillingham model.
An expert at the Responsive Classroom technique, Mrs. Berman helps students thrive with this student-centered, social and emotional learning approach.
A teacher's love for their students always shines through.
Yossi Doch
YOSSI DOCH
Fifth Grade Teacher - Judaic Studies
Info Coming Soon…
Our SPECIALTY Teachers
Students should be taught in a way that is engaging, interesting, and informative.
Robin Gare
Robin Gare
Hebrew (Ivrit) Teacher
Mrs. Robin Gare is passionate about teaching the beautiful language of Ivrit to her students. With a teaching style that is engaging, interesting, and informative, Mrs. Gare connects Ivrit to Torah, Tefillot, and everyday conversation.
Having lived in Israel for 16 years, including her time serving as a soldier in Tzahal, Mrs. Gare brings personal insight to her teaching. She has successfully taught a diverse range of learners, including 4th graders, Bar/Bat Mitzvah classes, high school students, and adults.
Quote Coming Soon...
Oryan Zarif
Oryan Zarif
Physical Education (PE) Teacher
Info Coming Soon…
Art should be a transformative learning experience.
Rebecca Joseph
Rebecca Joseph
Art Teacher
We are thrilled to welcome our second grade general studies teacher, Mrs. Rebecca Joseph, as our new art teacher. Walk into Mrs. Joseph’s classroom and you will immediately feel the warmth and positive energy. Creative and witty, with an ever-positive attitude, she cultivates a happy learning environment, transforming art into learning experiences.
With her K-6 certification, masters degree, reading & ESOL courses, coupled with her many years of experience teaching elementary school, Mrs. Joseph has the ability to ignite every student’s passion for learning-either through classic learning or through art. Drawing from her experiences as both a parent and teacher in the public and private school systems, she deeply appreciates that the early grades are the foundation for a successful academic career.