Meet Mrs. Kaltman, Principal of the High School

Compiled by: Eliora Gdanski (10th) and Eliana Wolfson (9th)

Every other week, the Warrior Word interviews a Hebrew Academy staff member and delves into various elements of their persona, such as their origins, hobbies, and any additional knowledge that they have to share. For this edition, the Warrior Word sat down with Mrs. Kaltman, High School Principal, to discuss her acclimation to Miami, her educational background, and her love for cats!

Eliora Gdanski: Where were you born?

Mrs. Kaltman: I was born and raised in Chicago. I went to the University of Florida for college and have never been back since.

Eliana Wolfson: Where did you attend university?

MK: For undergrad I attended University of Florida, then Emory University for my Masters in Education, and then I also went to Kennesaw State University for educational leadership.

EG: Where did you live before you moved here?

MK: Before moving here, I lived in Atlanta for over 30 years.

EW: What do you miss most about Atlanta?

MK: The two things I miss most about Atlanta are the politeness of people, and the weather. Here in Florida the season is almost always summer, while in Atlanta we get all of the seasons.

EG: What's your favorite part about Florida?

MK: My favorite part about Florida is Hebrew Academy. I love working with the students and staff here.

EW: What got you into education?

Mk: In high school, I was given the opportunity to volunteer as a lifeguard. After volunteering as a lifeguard, I learned that I really enjoy teaching others around me. When I was in college, I really thought about what I wanted to do and decided I liked teaching, so I chose to go into the field of education.

EG: What were your past educational roles?

MK: I started as a middle school teacher, teaching English and social studies. I also served as an Instructional Technology Specialist, which was teaching other teachers how to use technology in the classroom. After that I worked as an elementary school and middle school administrator. I then transitioned to High School Assistant Principal. After that I was the Director of Operations right before I came here.

EW: What brought you to Hebrew Academy?

MK: I retired from Georgia and knew I needed to get a new job, but I couldn't work in any Georgia Public School. I applied to different private schools. It ended up coming down to three schools, with of course Hebrew Academy being one of them. After visiting Hebrew Academy in the second semester of last year, I decided to take the job. The sense of community at Hebrew Academy made me really want to work at this school.

EG: What do you like most about Hebrew Academy?

MK: I love the kids, and there are great teachers, and extremely supportive parents.

EG: Is there anything you find really challenging about Hebrew Academy?

MK: The thing I find most challenging about Hebrew Academy is the skirts. I don’t enjoy being the dress code police, but it is necessary.

EG: How is Hebrew Academy different from all the other schools where you have worked?

MK: Teenagers are teenagers– like there's really not that big of a difference. However, I think the biggest difference is that there's a level of kids talking back and questioning back to teachers that I am not used to. Other than that, it's quite similar to my past schools.

EW: When did you move to Miami?

MK: My husband and I moved to Miami in June.

EG: When did you decide you were taking this job?

*Mrs. Kaltman sighs*

MK: I decided I was going to take the job here at school towards the end of April.

Ew: How do you feel working with the staff here?

MK: I love working with the staff here. There are a lot of excellent educators here on the staff.

EG: How does it feel working at a Jewish school, with Rabbis and Judaic leaders?

MK: It's really not so different from working with any other teacher. Before I came here, I taught Judaics at Sunday school at the synagogue near my house back in Atlanta. You just need to keep in mind the Halachic aspect of certain things.

EG: Do you like the size of our school?

MK: It is a challenge because it limits the flexibility of certain things, but it also does bring in a level of cohesiveness and community.

EW: What is your proudest accomplishment?

MK: My children are my proudest accomplishment. They are amazingly intelligent, kind, polite and very productive adults. I have a twenty seven year old son and a twenty three year old daughter.

EG: Are the prices different here compared to Atlanta?

MK: The prices in Florida are extremely different then the prices in Atlanta. Things are much more expensive, and it's been a huge adjustment. Even gas prices are 20 cents more a gallon here. Groceries are also a lot more expensive.

EW: What are your hobbies?

MK: I used to like to garden. In Atlanta, we had a little garden. I grew green tomatoes, peppers, and I even tried to grow onions and carrots, but those didn't work. Though since I have been here, I haven’t really had much free time on my hands although when I get the chance, I love to play with my cats.

EW: Can you talk about your love for cats?

MK: I have had a cat since I was nine years old. They just are really fun creatures and companions. There are good cats, there are bad cats just like good dogs and bad dogs. People who aren't cat people don't understand that they are good pets. I currently have two cats, Minnie and Rocky. Minnie is smaller and more calm while Rocky is my big boy cat and is very aggressive and sometimes a jerk.

EW: What was the last movie you saw?

MK: The last movie I saw was Black Panther.

EG: Who is your favorite author?

MK: I don't necessarily have one favorite author. I read all of Sue Grafton's murder mysteries, which were great. Agatha Christie, Dick Frances, and Susan Macneal are all authors I love to read as well.

EG: Thank you so much for your time!