BIO: I was born in Israel, but mostly raised in Stamford, CT. I attended college at Hofstra University on Long Island. At Hofstra, I received a Bachelors in Education and in Jewish Studies. After completing a thesis paper and studying abroad in Bolivia, I also completed a minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. I am currently living in Manhattan and completing my final year of my Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Bank Street College of Education. I have worked as a substitute in almost every grade in several different schools both private and public, as well as a fourth grade teacher in a public school, and as a third grade after school teacher.
I became a teacher because… I believe that every child has a spark inside them that can change the world. That spark needs to be nurtured into a flame. I wanted to go into teaching because I felt that this profession is the one in which I could make the most impact on the world by cultivating that spark in my students and encouraging them to grow into fires that can ignite change.
My vision for our children is… to become active members of their communities working for change. I would like to see my students take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to the world around them to improve their lives, and the lives of everyone living in their community.
I joined Mazel because… I truly believe in Mazel’s mission of bringing together Jewish and progressive education models. I have always wanted to create a classroom space that is child centered and project/inquiry based. To be able to do so in a Jewish environment is a blessing!
My favorite memory from being a student is… when I was in 4th Grade and we completed a project about all 50 states. I’ve always loved social studies, but that project stands out in my mind because through it I got to learn more about our country, while also having a great time! I hope to give my students that same sense of fun in school!
The most difficult part of teaching 2nd grade is… also the best part! It is that 2nd Grade is a very critical year in child development. Children grow by leaps and bounds at this age as they transition from early childhood to upper elementary. It is so important that this growth be channeled productively and that the students know how much they have accomplished!
My best advice to parents is… to make routines at home! Children learn so much better with routines in place, and if they are consistent at home, they will be better learners at school!
If I could teach my students only one thing, it would be… empathy and respect. I believe that these two character traits are the key to any relationship. In order to become responsible communicators and global citizens, children need to learn how to put themselves in others shoes and imagine their lives complexly and with an eye towards understanding.
If I would not have become a teacher I would have become… a writer!
A trick I use in the classroom is… brain breaks! Students can only sit still for so long, and taking a two minute break is sometimes just what is needed.
Outside of school I like to… read, see plays, and travel.