WOODBRIDGE — Melanie Waynik has been appointed Head of School at Ezra Academy in Woodbridge, it was announced recently by school officials.  Waynik will step into her new role on July 1.
A native of Fairfield, Waynik has an extensive background in the field of education. She earned a Bachelors degree in psychology and elementary education from Barnard College and a Masters degree in educational administration from the Teachers College at Columbia University. She is currently preparing to defend her doctoral thesis at the Teachers College at Columbia University this September. Her research has been in the area of school culture and teacher expertise. She has taught elementary education in a variety of schools, both public and private.
In addition to her professional experience, Waynik has also served as a lay leader in Jewish day school education for many years. The parent of three Ezra alums, she served on the education committee of Ezra Academy’s board of directors and, over the past five years, she has been actively involved in the establishment of the recently opened Jewish High School of Connecticut in Bridgeport. In that capacity, she has helped to develop curriculum and to recruit and hire faculty.
“I’m very excited and feel incredibly honored to head an institution I feel so strongly about,” Waynik said in a note to the Ezra community. “I would like the community to continue to understand what an excellent secular and Judaic education the school provides, not only for the students and families, but also for the community.”
In the process of choosing a new head of school, said Rachel Gerber, co-chair of the search committee with Steven Fraade, the committee “reviewed countless applications, interviewed dozens of candidates, and hosted five impressive finalists from all over the United States.” Ultimately, she said, the committee concluded that Waynik’s “expertise in K-12 education, outstanding skills in communication and collaboration, and passionate commitment to Jewish day school education, will provide Ezra Academy with strong, caring, and strategic leadership.”