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About Jemicy
Head of School
Ben Shifrin
Ben has dedicated his career to helping students with language-based learning differences. A dyslexic himself, Ben memorized his “Dick and Jane” books as a young child in order to pass himself off as a reader in class. Teachers told his mother he would never graduate from high school. Yet Ben went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Temple University, earning a degree in Elementary Education and then a Masters Degree in Special Education and Administration.
Ben began his professional career in the classroom, teaching children with learning differences in the Los Angeles public school system. Next he joined the L.A. Unified School District’s administrative team to spearhead students’ successful transition to higher education or the workforce, and to co-author the California State “Workability Handbook.” Ben then took on a headship, in which he helped to establish Westmark as an independent school, separate from the Landmark Foundation.
In 2002, Ben learned of the opening for a Head of School at Jemicy. Ben knew of Jemicy from studies in graduate school, where it was cited as one of the first – and best – schools of its kind in the country. He also was familiar with Jemicy’s current reputation as one of the most experienced and well-regarded schools of its kind.
Today, under Ben’s leadership, Jemicy School has expanded to include an upper school. Ben brought with him longstanding professional relationships with national researchers in the field of brain-based education, and has cultivated new ones. Jemicy’s curriculum includes the latest in technology and technological programs as well as a variety of excellent reading and writing programs approved by the International Dyslexic Association. And while Ben continues to share his knowledge and experience on a national level, Jemicy School benefits daily from his work with the school administration, faculty and families drawing on his expertise.
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