What’s it like to work in a frum school, when you’re not Orthodox — or even Jewish? Educators share their take on our schools and our students, and what the experience taught them
When Mary Ann Farrior a Protestant Christian originally fromNorth Carolina signed a contract with Torah Academy of Philadelphia she never fathomed the impact the school would eventually have on her perception of Jews — and overall life values.
“The years atTorahAcademywere some of the best of my life” the veteran history and English teacher says unequivocally. “Even once I moved back to my little Southern town to work in the county schools in my heart I felt Jewish. For several months I found it hard to wear pants in the classroom — I felt like I was wearing pajamas!”
Mrs. Farrior — who now runs a K-12 program for gifted students in the South — is one of many non-Jewish or non-Orthodox educators who have become intimately acquainted with the Orthodox population thanks to years of teaching in its schools. Particularly in out-of-town communities where frum qualified teachers may be harder to come by these instructors — of all denominations — abound.
For many the experience is positive; for others less so. Whatever the impact these men and women — with their fresh impartial outlook — can offer unique insight into the strengths and weaknesses of our community enabling us to become better ambassadors for His Name.
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