HLA2 Names New Director of Operations

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LinaShuster

Lina Shuster named director of operations at HLA2

Former Human Resources Director, Lina Shuster, has been named director of operations at Hebrew Language Academy 2 – the newest Hebrew Public school opening in District 21.

“We believe Lina brings the necessary expertise to ensure smooth and efficient operations management at HLA2,” Elyse Piker director of school operations at Hebrew Public said. “Her prior experience working in a school and her intimate knowledge of its day to day functioning will be invaluable to our new school.”

Shuster has over ten years’ experience working in facilities management and human resources. Prior to joining Hebrew Public, she worked at Staten Island Hebrew Academy as director of development and human resources. She was responsible for all non-instructional operations of the school such as managing busing, daily scheduling, staff hiring, marketing and recruitment. 

“I was super excited to learn I was joining the team of HLA2 as the director of operations, because I have been interested in joining the Hebrew Public network for a few years,” Shuster said. “I strongly believe in the mission of HLA2 and think that giving children superior education – together with a knowledge of foreign language – is the key to preparing them to become productive global citizens. I look forward to using my skills and experience in my new role to support this mission.”

Shuster earned a BS in Psychology and a MA in industrial and organizational development from Brooklyn College.

From her expansive experience, she also brings to HLA2 her expertise in event planning and fundraising events as well as managing social media, communications and promoting community engagement.

Founding Head of School Named for HLA2

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New York –  Hebrew Language Academy 2, which will open in CSD 21 this September and is part of the Hebrew Public network of schools,  appoints new principal.

Ashley Furan, Head of School at HLA2.

Ashley Furan, Head of School at HLA2.

After a thorough and extensive search for a principal, ten year teaching veteran, Ashley Furan, has been named founding head of school for Hebrew Language Academy-2 (HLA2).

“We believe that Ashley’s skill set and experience demonstrates the instructional leadership, and work ethic to be a successful leader at our new school,” Adam Miller, HLA2 board chair said. “Her proven record of driving exceptional student achievement across grade levels, both as teacher and instructional leader, will ensure we carry on the mission of providing the highest level of academics at HLA2.”

Among Furan’s strengths, board members were especially drawn to her ability to cultivate warm and authentic relationships with teachers and staff as well as create a positive school culture that ensures excellence across all dimensions.

“It is an honor to be selected to serve as the Founding Head of School at HLA2,” Furan said. “I know, first-hand, the power of a community school which emphasizes academic and personal growth, as well as service learning and global citizenship. Together, I look forward to building a diverse learning community where we prove the possible for all children.”

Her school leadership experience includes working as assistant principal at Success Academy in Brooklyn. In that role, she served as an instructional coach and supervised teachers and administrative services. She also supported and maintained school discipline and culture, led professional development workshops and reviewed and used student achievement data to drive instruction.

Prior to joining Hebrew Public, she worked at Girls Prep Lower East Side Middle School as an Inclusive Learning Team Teacher. There she focused her efforts on specialized curriculum design, creating school culture and building relationships with the parent community. She also provided support for teachers with lesson planning and delivery and ensured appropriate accommodations for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s).

Furan has honed her expertise working at other notable charter networks such as KIPP Journey Academy in Ohio where she taught eighth grade and Explore in Brooklyn where she was the lead third grade teacher.

Furan earned a MS in Education from Hunter College and a BA in Individualized Study from NYU. An alumnus for Teach for America, she was a finalist for a leadership award from the organization in 2013 for “transforming students’ lives through exceptional leadership”.

To the inaugural students and families and HLA2 community at large, Furan says, “I cannot wait to meet you and welcome you home to HLA2! Education opens the door to live the lives we have imagined and I am excited to begin this journey.”