What Makes A Great Jewish Educator?

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” - William Arthur Ward

We asked students of our recent education award winners, "What makes a great teacher?" Here’s what they said:

The Helen Diller Family Award for Excellence in Jewish Education recognizes individuals who have made an extraordinary impact through early childhood, day, congregational, and community school settings as well as in informal educational programs. Each award carries with it a prize of $10,000 for the educator and $2,500 for the educator’s institution. The 2012 award recipients were announced at our 2012 Annual Meeting this year. Hear testimonials from their students about what makes them an exceptional educator.

THE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN JEWISH EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Congregation Beth Sholom Family Preschool Hadara Graubart

THE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN JEWISH DAY SCHOOL EDUCATION Kehillah Jewish High School Jaclyn Guzman

THE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CONGREGATION OR COMMUNITY SCHOOL Congregation Emanu-El Ariana Estoque

THE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN JEWISH INFORMAL EDUCATION Shalom Bayit Zephira Derblich-Milea

The Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award is designed to recognize, honor and support outstanding Jewish educators. This national award, representing the Federation and the Bureau of Jewish Education, is given each year by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and the Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation who partner with local agencies and federations throughout North America to select these winners. This year’s award was presented to Tamar Rabinowitz from the Jewish Community High School of the Bay. Hear what her students say about her.