Our People

I teach because I love to help young people develop healthy relationships with the food we eat, the bodies we inhabit, the communities we belong to, and the earth we share. I strive to help young people reconnect with themselves and become who they truly are.

I teach because teaching is a gift. Middle schoolers are amazing. They are old enough to understand the true complexities of life, but young enough that they’re not yet jaded. They make me smile everyday, and I get to share all of my passions—literature, poetry, drama, history, social activism—with them.  

I teach because it is the best way to learn. I love learning from the students and staff at PJA.

I teach because children teach us so much and remind us to be silly and have fun.  I find so much joy in being a partner on their journey to discovering themselves and the world around them. 

I teach because it is the best way to help young people know from the beginning of their lives that they are part of a community, part of the fabric of human life, and part of a storied and ancient Jewish tradition. Because if I do it well they may never question their inherent worth and belonging. And because it is FUN!

I teach because I love learning and love to think of creative and meaningful ways to spark wonder and curiosity in young people. My hope is that my students will seek out and embrace opportunities to learn, grow, and expand their understanding of the world and their responsibility to it.

I teach because “We never know which lives we influence, or when, or why.”
― Stephen King, 11/22/63

I teach because connecting to children through books and storytelling is my passion. Exposing kids to a variety of literature that helps them see all the ways they can leave kindness imprints on the big world around them is what excites me. 

I teach because I want to help raise a generation of kind, curious, and compassionate humans.

I teach because it is so rewarding to see students reach their personal best through encouragement, inspiration, and challenge.

I teach because the smile and laugh from a child is the most precious part of my day. Teaching is my passion and I love teaching our future! I love PJA.

I teach because this is a job where I am surrounded by open minds, new ideas, and and our best hopes for the future. The learning and growth I see on a daily basis is inspiring!

I teach because I love helping children realize that learning can be hard and that's okay! And nothing  is better than having one of my students realize they’re stronger and more resilient than they ever thought possible.

I market for PJA so people can learn about how our school makes mensches!

I teach because I can't not teach.

I teach because I enjoy working with children. Teaching is creative and interesting work and it fills my heart. In particular, I love finding ways to connect with each child.

As Admission Director, I love sharing the powerful story of PJA with families.

 I teach because I love having the opportunity to build a socially aware, compassionate, kind community of young people with foundations in growth and learning! 

I teach because there is nothing I find more rewarding than supporting a child as they learn and grow.  

I teach because everyday is different with a new challenge with new opportunities to grow. I teach to see the simplicity in observing children discovering the world around them.

I teach to see the joy on children's faces which gives me an infusion of energy and inspiration as I watch these children, that represent our future, develop and grow, knowing that I was a small part of that future, a better world.

I teach because I can't think of anything that better combines my love of Judaism, children, creativity and community.  My work is  varied, exciting and challenging and after 25 years of teaching, I'm learning new things from my students on a daily basis.

I teach because teaching and learning are endlessly fascinating - we can improve our world through curiosity, creativity, understanding and growth. Being a part of a leadership team that supports children, teachers, and our community to "think for themselves and work for the world" is energizing and personally fulfilling work. I can’t imagine doing anything else!

l teach because it brings me joy and I am able to help shape the lives of my student.

I teach because I love to share the joy of education with children and to see their eyes light up with new learning! 

I teach because it is who I am. It is my passion, my calling and my world. 

I teach because I know how important early childhood education is. Young children are not to be molded but people to be unfolded. I enjoy experiencing the wonder and awe of learning with small children. There are so many new things to learn from a group of citizens that are preparing for a future world. 

I teach because I love nurturing and taking care of plants, animals, children and anybody else who needs some extra TLC.

I teach because encouraging the confidence in children that they are being listened to, are supported, and are cared about, means everything. The views we hold of ourselves, and the world we live in, begin to develop during childhood, and the interactions and experiences we provide children as early educators are fundamental to their individual, and universal growth.

I work for PJA because it is not just a school, it's a community. Families and staff work together as one.

I teach because I want to plant the seeds in my students to be kind, always wonder and ask questions, to leave things better than they found them, to trust themselves when they make mistakes, and to try to do the right thing, even when nobody is looking.

I teach because I believe in the power of education. My own teachers have and continue to influence my life and I similarly aspire to positively impact the lives of my students. 

I teach because I want to create an environment where each individual child feels welcomed and special. Everyday is a new adventure with my two year olds! I’m so grateful to have the privilege of witnessing important milestones.

I teach because I truly believe that every child is a capable learner. I'm driven and delighted by the way a student's face lights up when their hard work pays off with an "Ah Ha" moment. 

 I teach because…children are our future.

I teach because working with middle schoolers energizes and inspires me everyday. Mathematics is the tool, because I find great joy in it, but teaching is my destiny. My goal is to help every student discover the great joy in Mathematics, not only the ones for whom it comes easy, but especially for the one who believes it’s not for them.

I teach because the children of today are the future of tomorrow. It is our responsibility to help the future generation reach their full potential and change their world for the better. 

I teach because of all the joy it brings to me each and every day. From the smallest of moments to the biggest of victories, I love and cherish my time with my students!

I work at PJA because I believe that community can play a large part in people's lives. For me, community was what brought me back when I found myself spiraling out of control - when you have others you can lean on for support, it can mean the difference between recovering from hardships or letting those hardships define and control you. 

I teach to help students gain the ability to be critical thinkers, who can solve real-world problems both inside and outside the classroom.

I fundraise for PJA because I believe that everyone should be able to take advantage of all this school has to offer, regardless of their financial situation. Mensches come from all walks of life. Our ability to offer scholarships enriches our student body and makes our community stronger.

I teach because I believe in the power of music. Music is an opening. It creates connections. It sparks memory. It motivates. It helps us realize that we are a part of something greater than ourselves. Witnessing students explore and discover new parts of themselves through music is sacred work. They are the music makers, and through them, I believe in the healing of the world.

I teach to provide a strong social, emotional, and academic foundation for every child.

I teach because my students show me how to remain creative and open while making art. Their ideas and energy renew my optimism for our world.

I teach because I believe that educational beginnings based on curiosity and kindness create not only an engaged learner, but an open and confident person who can also help and teach others.

I work at PJA because this has been my community since I was a student here the first year it started as Hillel Academy in 1961. As a former student, parent, board member and now staff – I love PJA.

I teach because I am a ready collaborator who loves all things library.  Connecting kids, teachers and parents to the right resource at the right time is what makes me tick!

As PJA's Early Childhood Registrar, I enjoy helping families enroll their children in a safe and caring environment where children can feel comfortable and happy to explore and learn each day.

I teach because I love children and hope to guide and assist them to reach their potential.

I teach because I believe that kids can make a difference.

I teach because children are capable to learn. Seeing them being nice and caring to others is precious. When I teach, I learn new things from them,too! 

I teach because... Little people are my passion!! I truly feel inspired learning from them - every day is a new beginning, a new journey that unfolds a new path creating new memories and welcoming new adventures. If only we slow down, observe and listen we are able to support already creative minds. I’m honored to be an Early Childhood teacher and to witness as each little person welcomes their “Firsts”.