Dr. Laura Segall recognized for her outstanding contributions as Jewish day school educator
Hebrew Academy High School Principal Dr. Laura Segall was awarded the Pearl Feintuch Award this morning, in recognition of her outstanding contributions as a professional Jewish day school educator. The Montreal native, herself a graduate of Montreal Jewish day school, was presented with a beautiful glass plaque before hundreds of peers at the Bronfman Jewish Education Centre’s Professional Day, hosted this year by Hebrew Academy.
“Hebrew Academy has benefited greatly from Dr. Segall’s knowledge, leadership and love of learning,” said the school’s Executive Director Linda Lehrer, who nominated Dr. Segall for the award. “Laura has been a pleasure to work with and has always gone above and beyond what is expected of her. I can think of no one more deserving of this important recognition.”
The annual award was established at BJEC by Hebrew Academy Board member Dale Boidman and her husband Nat, in memory of Dale’s mother, Pearl Feintuch, a teacher whose primary focus was special education. A board evaluates nominees’ contributions in the domains of creativity, leadership, school-life and community. Boidman presented Segall with the award as well as the accompanying prize of $500.
Dr. Segall holds a B.SC from McGill University, a M.Sc in Nutrition from the Université de Montréal and a Ph.D in Biochemistry from McGill University. She completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Experimental Medicine at McGill and continues to participate in yearly Harvard Graduate School of Education Professional Development courses. Dr. Segall began her career at Hebrew Academy in 2007 as a tutor in the Individual Learning Program. Over the years, she has assumed various leadership positions in the High School, including head of the Mathematics and Science Department, vice-principal, and, most recently, principal. She also teaches Technology, Chemistry, Science and Mathematics.
In addition to spearheading Hebrew Academy’s annual Science Fair in 2009, Dr. Segall initiated a Sunday Science enrichment program for students interested in exploring such topics as virology, cancer, science of the senses and biotechnology. Her mentorship of Hebrew Academy science teams enabled students to win the Shalhevet Freier Physics Tournament’s Montreal Competition, and secure fourth place in the international competition in Israel in 2013. Under Dr. Segall’s leadership, Hebrew Academy science students ranked first place in the Jerusalem Science Competition in 2014.
“With the combination of her years of hard work, commitment to her students and colleagues, her understanding of school policies and procedures, we had no doubt that Laura would soar and succeed in her current position as High School principal,” said Lehrer. “She has earned the respect demonstrated to her by both her students and peers. We congratulate her on this most-deserved honour. I am so thrilled that she won this prestigious award!”