MFR press release:
Oct 12, 2021
Three unsuspecting Jewish day school teachers in Los Angeles were each surprised with the prestigious Jewish Educator Award (JEA) and an individual financial award of $ 15,000 at field meetings for all schools. The annual awards are presented by the Milken Family Foundation (MFF) in partnership with Builders of Jewish Education (BJE). Cheered on by students and colleagues, the JEA recipients in 2021 are:
· Dr. Natalie Williams, Headmistress, YULA Girls High School
· Chana Zauderer, Principal General Studies, Yeshiva Rav Isacsohn
· Cherie Friedman, Assistant Director, K-8, and Elementary General Studies, Kadima Day School
· A fourth recipient will be surprised later this fall.
“It’s not a job, it’s a passion,” said Cherie Friedman immediately after receiving her award from MFF Executive Vice President Richard Sandler. “I dedicate this to all of my teachers and students who made this possible.”
Learning is one of the highest values in the Jewish tradition. “By surprising educators with their awards in front of their entire school community, we are publicly saying that excellent education should be rewarded,” said Sandler, who has been with JEA since it first received its awards in 1990 by inspiring students’ imaginations , we hope to encourage our next generation to consider a career in teaching – particularly to empower the vital role of Jewish day schools in developing academic potential and cultivating lifelong respect for the values conveyed by their Jewish heritage. “
The winners of the Jewish Educator Award 2021 will be celebrated along with their families and community leaders during an award lunch this spring. The inclusive event brings together leaders from the LA Jewish community, from the most secular to the Orthodox.
The Jewish Educator Awards initiative was launched by the Milken Family Foundation in collaboration with BJE: Builders of Jewish Education to provide public recognition and unrestricted recognition to teachers, administrators and other education professionals in the greater Los Angeles area who have made their dedication Cash prizes of $ 15,000 award contributions to excellence in BJE-affiliated day schools.
The winners are selected by a committee made up of educators, specialist and lay leaders from the Jewish community based on the following criteria:
· Exceptional educational talent and promise, as demonstrated by great practice in the classroom, school and community.
· Proof of originality, dedication and the ability to lead and direct oneself.
· Commitment to influencing policies that affect children, their families and schools.
· Strong long-term potential for an even greater contribution to children, work and society.
· Excellence in developing innovative curricula, programs and / or teaching methods.
· Excellent ability to instill character and confidence in students.
Excellent ability to develop Jewish children’s understanding of the relationships between their religion, their activities in the classroom, and their activities outside the classroom.
· Commitment to professional development and excellence and the necessary permanent Jewish and / or secular study.
· Personal commitment in responding to the needs of the Jewish and secular communities.
· The criteria for administrators also include an excellent ability to attract, support and motivate committed educational professionals.
This press release has been prepared by the MFR. The views expressed here are your own.
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