The Fellowship's Impact on Menachem Mendel Seattle Cheder ECC
Fellows: Marave Herbstman and Rabbi Yossi Charytan
Since June of 2010, a Fellowship of teachers, directors and early childhood professionals have been collaborating, growing, learning and improving ourselves and our schools. I have enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with other schools and staff. Many of us exchanged ideas, resolved school challenges together and formed personal relationships that help in our professional roles. This Fellowship has given me the time and space to reflect and be mindful and intentional in the holy work of educating young children.
The Fellowship has enabled me to be a better leader in my school. The book readings, roundtable discussions, and Diana’s experience and expertise in this field have strengthened my own abilities both inside and outside the classroom. One of my most beloved times is our monthly Skype sessions. These times allow me to have a sounding board to discuss any challenges in the school— child-, staff- or parent-related. This ongoing mentorship has been very helpful in my responsiveness as a school leader.
Each area of the classroom is filled with Jewish life. The Montessori classroom is divided into several areas and in our integrated curriculum Judaic materials are dispersed throughout the whole classroom. The Judaic materials in our classrooms provide an authentic relationship to the Judaic curriculum, and so it becomes much more encompassing then teaching Judaics only during circle time.
The Montessori framework already provides the sacredness of space for children. Children understand and respect others while they are working and learning with materials. They learn how to wait their turn and observe, as well as how to take care of their environment and themselves.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of a group of early childhood educators that has grown and learned together for the past two years. It is my fervent hope that all Jewish families will find excellence in all the schools and will choose Jewish education in Seattle.
Click here to download the timeline of our school's journey during the Fellowship.
Since June of 2010, a Fellowship of teachers, directors and early childhood professionals have been collaborating, growing, learning and improving ourselves and our schools. I have enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with other schools and staff. Many of us exchanged ideas, resolved school challenges together and formed personal relationships that help in our professional roles. This Fellowship has given me the time and space to reflect and be mindful and intentional in the holy work of educating young children.
The Fellowship has enabled me to be a better leader in my school. The book readings, roundtable discussions, and Diana’s experience and expertise in this field have strengthened my own abilities both inside and outside the classroom. One of my most beloved times is our monthly Skype sessions. These times allow me to have a sounding board to discuss any challenges in the school— child-, staff- or parent-related. This ongoing mentorship has been very helpful in my responsiveness as a school leader.
Each area of the classroom is filled with Jewish life. The Montessori classroom is divided into several areas and in our integrated curriculum Judaic materials are dispersed throughout the whole classroom. The Judaic materials in our classrooms provide an authentic relationship to the Judaic curriculum, and so it becomes much more encompassing then teaching Judaics only during circle time.
The Montessori framework already provides the sacredness of space for children. Children understand and respect others while they are working and learning with materials. They learn how to wait their turn and observe, as well as how to take care of their environment and themselves.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of a group of early childhood educators that has grown and learned together for the past two years. It is my fervent hope that all Jewish families will find excellence in all the schools and will choose Jewish education in Seattle.
Click here to download the timeline of our school's journey during the Fellowship.