Lauren Applebaum is the Associate Dean of the Fingerhut School of Education and Lecturer in Education. She teaches courses in pedagogy and reflective practice and directs the fieldwork programs for Fingerhut students. Lauren was formerly the Executive Director of Kesher Newton, a nationally-recognized innovative supplementary education program. Certified as a Critical Friends Coach by the National School Reform Faculty and trained as a professional development leader by the Mandel Teacher Educator Institute, Lauren serves as a consultant and professional development trainer in synagogues, camps, and day schools in the Los Angeles area and nationally. Her research interests include professional development and reflective practice for educators, and alternative supplementary school models.