Teach Coalition, a project of the Orthodox Union dedicated to advocating for government funding and resources for nonpublic schools, today announced the appointment of Sydney Altfield as National Director.
Founded in 2013, Teach Coalition has been at the forefront of advocating for government funding of Jewish day schools and yeshivas. Teach Coalition works across legislative, executive and judicial branches in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, Nevada and at the Federal level. Altfield will oversee the organization nationally.
Sydney’s promotion from within the organization comes after more than 7 years with Teach Coalition. Most recently she led Teach NYS. In that role, Sydney represented Teach in the State capitol and across NYC and state, organized student, community, and multifaith missions to Albany, built grassroots community political engagement by facilitating politician visits to schools, and secured record breaking security, STEM reimbursement funding, and the nonpublic school inclusion in the historic Universal Free Meals program. Sydney was named to City & State Brooklyn Power 100, is a member of Mayor Adams Jewish Advisory Council, and holds a B.A. from the University of Central Florida.
“The Orthodox Union community – along with other faith communities – is committed to educate its students in our day schools and yeshiva, where their faith and values are nurtured while they receive a well-rounded education. Especially as our community faces record antisemitism, that high-quality Jewish education needs to be made more accessible”, said Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union. “Sydney taking the helm at Teach Coalition, with all of her experience and passion, represents the redoubling of our commitment to helping Jewish Day School and Yeshiva families and those that aspire to attend these schools.”
“We are excited for Sydney to take on this new role, which reflects our commitment to recognizing and cultivating internal talent,” said Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, OU Executive Vice President. “Her ability to build consensus and activate relationships will serve her well.”
“It has been a privilege founding and building Teach Coalition into the powerhouse organization that it is today,” said Maury Litwack, Founder and CEO of Jewish Voters Unite. “With Sydney as the new National Director, I have complete confidence that it is in the best possible hands. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Sydney for years—someone whose vision, integrity, and dedication have helped shape what the organization has become. I look forward to working with Sydney in her new capacity as she takes the organization to the next level.”
“The continuity of the Jewish people depends on quality, accessible Jewish education”, Altfield said. “As momentum builds nationwide for educational freedom, there is no more critical—or inspiring—moment to take on this role. Teach Coalition continues to meet the moment—not only in the halls of government where critical policy is shaped, but also in the heart of our community, where grassroots energy and engagement drive lasting change, and I am honored to help lead our efforts at this defining time for our community.”