Why Chaim Lerner Chose Masters in ABA

Chaim Lerner shares his journey in Masters in ABA.

What inspired you to pursue Masters in ABA?

Prior to enrolling in the MPS in ABA, I was tutoring school-aged boys who were struggling academically. Naturally, my time spent with them evolved to include not only academic support, but emotional and behavioral support as well. I realized I had a knack for helping children learn new skills and improve behaviors and this led me to the field of ABA.

How prepared did you feel when you first started? What surprised you most about your classes?

Since it was my first time as a college student and assignments and test-taking were new to me, I understood that to succeed I would have to work hard. With the support of everyone at Sara Schenirer, I was able to adapt quickly and manage the workload. I found that it also helped to speak with former students and do some online research to better understand ABA terms and definitions and how they are used in real-life scenarios.

What surprised me in a positive way was recognizing how much of ABA philosophy and what I was learning in the classroom corresponded to how I was already engaging with my students in real life. I had gained so much hands-on experience from interacting with my own children and clients for the past 15 years that I instinctively noticed certain challenging behaviors and intuitively found ways to deal with them. It was really exciting to make those connections and learn about the concepts and applications in an in-depth, systemized, and scientific way. 

What has been your favorite part of your experience so far? Most challenging?

I enjoyed being able to learn about practical ideas that connect to my daily life that I could then use to help children grow and develop in a substantive way. I found the new “language” and terminology that came along with these lessons a bit challenging, though. ABA has its own language and it took me some time to learn it, but I eventually became accustomed to the ABA definitions of different words and phrases such as "reinforcement," "token economy," "punishment,” and "behavior contracts." Once I did, things became easier.

How would you describe the support you receive from Sara Schenirer staff and professors?

Support is built into the very fabric of the Sara Schenirer system. Questions and concerns are addressed quickly and professionally. There was always someone available to help, whether I had an inquiry about course scheduling, an issue with a deadline, or a question about fieldwork requirements. In addition, the course schedule accommodates the Jewish calendar, always ensuring that classes and assignments don't compromise holiday preparation and observance.

What were your original goals going into the program and what did you ultimately do upon obtaining your degree?

My goal was to earn a degree, become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and find a job in the field. I earned the degree and certification, and now I’m beginning my career and gradually filling up my caseload. Luckily, the agencies I work with provide a lot of support and guidance on how to build my experience and reputation.

Can you describe what you do and how you feel your education prepared you for your current career?

To broaden my experience, I chose to take supervision roles on individual cases through various ABA agencies. These jobs entail guiding parents and Behavioral Technicians (BTs) in managing daily treatment planning and goal setting. As the BCBA, I am ultimately responsible for the success of the treatment and the integrity of the BT's work. Therefore, it’s important to possess the right tools to train them to deliver the most effective and professional treatment. Part of my responsibility at one agency is to also call insurance companies to secure approval and authorization for services, so it’s imperative to really understand what ABA is and what aspects of the client's life the treatment is meant to address. My education and knowledge of the field really allows me to succeed at these tasks. My time in school also taught me how to collaborate with parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals, as well as how to manage and supervise staff.  

Is this a field you would recommend to other frum men and women? 

I do recommend the field of ABA to frum men and women since one can make a positive impact on children’s lives while having a career that is flexible and well-paying. You will, however, need to be prepared and willing to work hard. The coursework is rigorous and requires dedication and time devoted to studying the material, especially in order to pass the BCBA exam and receive certification. It would be beneficial for anyone seeking to apply to this program to seek guidance from others who have completed it. My personal advice is to make sure you understand what you’re learning and don’t push any questions off. Ask about and research every term at the time it’s presented. It’s also key to study constantly throughout the program and not cram towards the end. This is how you can ensure that you're prepared for the BCBA exam upon graduating. 

What are some other ways to use your degree in your field?

In addition to supervisory roles like mine, there are opportunities to take on leading and directorial positions within the field. In those cases, you are responsible for the entire operations of an institution instead of merely supervising individual clients. I have also received offers to work in school settings to analyze and evaluate students and guide staff on their individual needs and that is an area where BCBAs are needed as well.

What is the job market like and how do you define success in the field? 

From my perspective supervising cases through agencies, it seems like the job market is strong and there is high demand for good BCBAs. A good BCBA tailors the interventions to meet the unique needs of each client, taking into consideration their strengths, preferences, and family or school environment. They consistently collect and analyze data to track progress and make informed decisions, adjusting treatment based on objective evidence. In addition, successful  BCBAs will know how to explain complex concepts clearly to clients, families, and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone involved understands the goals and strategies. They work well with caregivers, establishing a team-based approach to the client’s success. Given that ABA often involves working with individuals with developmental disorders or behavioral challenges, a good BCBA must demonstrate patience and empathy. A large part of the job is being an effective supervisor, guiding BTs toward implementing the best treatment plans for their clients and sharing in the positive feeling of accomplishment when their clients make progress. 

Can you give an idea of starting salaries in the industry and how one moves up?

Starting salaries in New York can range from $100-$115 hourly depending on the agency. The principal method of moving up in the field is to secure a full caseload, and the best way to do that is to be an excellent and effective BCBA.