School welcomes outstanding new faculty members

Dani and Ayelet Steiner are our new Israeli Sh’lichim. Dani is teaching High School Judaics, Jewish history and Hebrew language; Ayelet Koren-Steiner is teaching Middle School Hebrew and serving as a grade advisor. They are both excited to bring the spirit of Israel to the school, by creating engaging Israel programs and activities.

Mr. Steiner’s nearly 30-year career spans a range of roles, from classroom teacher and university lecturer to professional leadership in schools and camps in Israel and the U.S., as well as in the Israel Defense Forces. He holds an M.A. in sociology and anthropology and a teaching diploma from Hebrew University. Mrs. Koren-Steiner’s teaching career spans nearly 30 years. She has served as a classroom teacher, camp educator, teacher trainer, educational consultant and administrator. A Swiss native, Mrs. Koren-Steiner holds an M.S.W. and a teaching diploma from Hebrew University, and a B.A. in English literature and anthropology from Bar Ilan University. Dani and Ayelet have two children attending BT, Ofir in 9th Grade and Noa in 5th Grade.

Mrs. Lisa Reyburn-Payne is our new High School Computer Science Department chair and school-wide education technology coordinator. She brings 15 years of software and database engineering experience, hands-on computer science classroom instruction, and bachelors and masters degrees in engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology to BT’s school-wide education technology coordinator role. Mrs. Rayburn-Paine will work with the newly formed Ed-Tech committee. Her goal is to instill a passion for computer science and logical thinking.

Ms. Reanna Jacobs is our new Middle School Director of Special Services & Academic Support. Mrs. Jacobs comes to BT with a wealth of background in teaching and reaching children with a wide array of learning differences. She has previously served as an academic coach at BT, and has worked as a learning specialist in Baltimore County.

Ms. Jacobs holds a B.A. in education from Rider University and a Master of Education in reading from Towson University. She is keenly attuned to the needs of her students. “I want each student to leave with more confidence in themselves, both personally and academically. Beth Tfiloh is special—it is bigger than just a school and synagogue,” says Ms. Jacobs. “It’s a loving, warm, embracing community with an instant family feel.”