Why Laya Stein Chose Master of Science in Education & Special Education Program

What inspired you to pursue the Education & Special Education?

I grew up in a family of educators and always knew that I’d pursue a career in education, but I wasn’t sure in what specific area. Through my schooling and early work experiences, I came to find my niche. I am currently a curriculum coach for schools in New York and I teach at Sara Schenirer in the undergraduate and graduate programs. I also publish and sell grammar workbooks to schools throughout the country.

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

I didn’t have specific expectations, but I knew the workload would be manageable and that Sara Schenirer would hold my hand along the way. My older sister also attended Sara Schenirer so I was familiar with the program. I found that the program not only provided a strong educational foundation, but also gave me a sense of confidence that I still draw upon in my professional career. I currently work with teachers to coach them on lesson planning and student engagement, and I know that I’m passing along solid information and effective techniques to help them become better instructors. 

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

Personally, my favorite aspect was the social connections I formed with the other girls in the program since we were all working toward the same goal. We had a great sense of camaraderie and a lot of fun together.

I also loved and appreciated my incredible teachers. Mrs. Aidella Avtzon-Blesofsky radiated passion for her work and spread her joy of teaching to her students. Her classes were not only interesting and useful, but she also conveyed a true sense of how enjoyable and rewarding teaching can be. The literacy practicum taught by Dr. Leah Donn was another of my favorite courses. It was a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the classroom. Under her supervision, we served as literacy coaches for several sessions in an elementary school and Dr. Donn taught us how to prepare lessons, connect with students, and keep parents looped in on any treatment plans. She guided us through every step and compiled our lesson plans into a portfolio for us to keep. The hands-on experience made me realize that I could really enjoy and excel in this career.

The most challenging part was juggling classwork with household and family responsibilities, but I knew I was working toward a long-term goal so I pushed myself to do what I had to.

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

The support system at Sara Schenirer is excellent. It can only be described as a family. The faculty are extremely understanding and they work with you every step of the way. This is especially evident during any personal circumstances and significant life events. I got engaged and married during my degree program and they worked to accommodate me throughout. Everyone goes out of their way to help you fit everything in and accomplish your goals.

What are your goals after earning your degree?

I wasn't sure what I would end up doing with my degree. I figured I would go through the program and see what aspects of education were intriguing to me. I taught for a few years, which I enjoyed, but I eventually wanted to try a different and better paying position. First, I worked for an agency doing push-ins and pull-outs before being approached by a school to be their literacy coach. In that position, I worked with students as well as trained other teachers. Whenever those teachers would move on to new schools, they would recommend me for coaching, and I ended up getting a lot more clients under my belt.

Is this a field you would recommend to other frum women and men? Why or why not?

It is highly suited to frum women and mothers because the hours are usually flexible, the working environments are great, and the vacation time generally aligns with kids' school schedules. The salary potential is not sky high where I live, however, so it is important to recognize that from the start and determine if you will be happy in this field.

How did you find your current position, can you describe what you do, and how do you feel your education prepared you for your current career?

As a literacy coach, I gradually built up my client base through referrals. I coach remotely, which allows me flexibility to also teach at Sara Schenirer and work on my side job publishing workbooks. Through my education at Sara Schenirer, I gained a strong background in literacy, development, milestones, and lesson planning, all of which are key to my success.

In addition to your position, what are some other ways to use your degree in your chosen field or in another field (if applicable)?

There are many directions one can take after obtaining a degree in education. Many graduates continue on to the BCBA program, and some earn post-grad certification in the testing and evaluation department. In my case, I became a literacy coach and used that to supplement my income.

How did you come to publish grammar workbooks?

While teaching 7th graders some years back, I realized there wasn’t an effective grammar curriculum in place to help them remember what they were learning and put it into practice. I therefore developed my own lessons to help them understand how to apply proper grammar and punctuation into their work and soon saw tangible results in their writing. I streamlined those lessons and created a series of workbooks that others could use. I secured government funding to publish and sell them on a larger scale and now those workbooks are used in schools in Lakewood, Brooklyn, Monsey, and throughout the country.

What is the job market like? Are jobs easy to obtain, flexible, and growth-oriented?

There is always a need for educators, so jobs are definitely easy to obtain and can be very flexible. Career growth happens to people who are driven and dedicated. When I was a push-in and pull-out instructor, I observed that the teachers who really worked hard were the ones who added more to their responsibilities and moved up the ladder. Some eventually became supervisors.

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

Teacher salaries vary depending on where you work and your hours. There is definitely more earning potential if you work with an agency or take on private clients as a special educator. For instance, reading specialists can earn approximately $90 per hour where I live and can accept as many cases as they can fit into their schedule. There are places where the salary range is significantly higher. You get out of this career what you put into it; your efforts will get noticed and rewarded in responsibilities, position, and compensation.