Michal Bessler
Visiting Scholar
Michal Bessler is a seasoned educational leader and mentor with over 30 years of experience in Jewish and General Studies education. Most recently serving as the Elementary School Principal at Maimonides School in Brookline, MA (2019–2025), Michal has led faculty, students, and families through meaningful educational journeys grounded in academic excellence, spiritual growth, and child-centered values.
Throughout her career, Michal has cultivated a reputation as an educator, trusted mentor and instructional coach, guiding both novice and veteran teachers to refine their craft, build confidence, and grow as reflective educators. Whether onboarding new faculty, supporting struggling teachers, or facilitating professional development, Michal brings clarity, warmth, and research-based strategies to every coaching relationship. Her style is deeply collaborative, empathetic, and grounded in both pedagogical best practices and a deep understanding of classroom realities.
She has developed and led faculty mentoring programs, created integrated curricula that align with modern teaching standards and timeless Jewish values, and has consistently been a go-to advisor for teachers seeking guidance on classroom management, curriculum design, differentiation, and student support.
Michal holds an M.A. in Jewish Education from Hebrew College and a B.A. in Psychology and Education from Brooklyn College. She is certified by the National Yeshivah Teachers Board and Torah Umesorah, and has completed advanced training in Responsive Classroom, Social Thinking, Blended Learning, Cognitive Modifiability, and Collaborative Problem Solving.
In addition to her formal roles, Michal continues to offer mentoring, coaching, and consultation for educators, drawing from her decades of classroom and leadership experience. She specializes in helping teachers align their instructional goals with their personal strengths, creating classroom cultures rooted in respect, curiosity, and connection.