Where do you currently work and what is your role there?
I work at University Synagogue located in Brentwood. I have been a teacher at this school for over seven years. Aside from working in the classroom, I also teach extracurricular activities, such as Zumba, sensory art, sensory science, and sports.
Why did you choose to work in Jewish education?
I decided to work in a Jewish setting because I was looking for something that reflected my values—my upbringing of caring for each other and the fact that I was accepted even though I am openly gay. In this Jewish setting I can do what I love to do without having to hide who I am as a person.
Why did you choose AJU?
I have wanted to complete my BA degree for many years, but due to economic and personal reasons, this dream of mine kept getting further and further away from me. One day, I heard from Dr. Tamar Andrews and Alana Levitt (then an MAEd student at AJU) that the BA program was going to take place at AJU. This program was going to be different— more personal, with our work schedules in mind, and Tamar was going to be one of the professors! Without her knowing it, she has been my mentor for the past ten years. I did not think twice in making the decision to apply.
What is your favorite class at AJU and why?
I have enjoyed every single class I have taken at AJU. What I love the most is that each class is planned very carefully in order for us to instantly apply what we learn in our own classrooms. That is something many courses I have taken elsewhere have lacked. I love the open communication with our professors and with my classmates. We have built a partnership of learning, a community, and hopefully a friendship that will last a lifetime. It is great to have resources, and it is amazing to build connections.
What have you learned that you implement into your own classroom?
I have learned so many things in all the courses I have taken, such as being a better observer and a better advocate, as well as to plan with purpose. I’ve also learned a tremendous amount about how incredible the brain is, even the brains of our youngest learners.
What is your favorite aspect about being a teacher?
What I love about being a teacher is the everyday learning that takes place. It is fascinating to see how a child grows and develops right before your eyes, and to be part of that journey is such an honor. I see the rawness of human development in all domains. I see how language, for example, develops from one sound, to a word, to a sentence and then full conversations. It is an extraordinary thing to see and experience, and to learn from each individual child is just glorious.