 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gan
B'nai Shalom
Liz is a native Californian. She grew up in San Mateo and graduated from UC Davis with a BA in Human Development. After graduation, Liz attended Sherut L’am in Israel for a year where she taught English in Kiryat Gat. She studied Hebrew in an Ulpan and when it was time to leave, Liz felt she needed more time in Israel and spent an additional three months on Kibbutz. Liz is the mother of five (yes, five!!) with her youngest starting Berkeley High in the fall. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and spending time with her family. Prior to entering into the field of Early Childhood Education, Liz worked as a Religious School and Youth Group Director in Iowa for five years. Following that, she began working in early childhood education and has worked with preschoolers for the last 10 years in Fresno. Liz served as a Mentor Teacher where her responsibilities included training and guiding student teachers and serving as an advocate for early childhood education. Additionally, she directed a summer day camp for preschoolers and elementary aged children. When discussing preschoolers with Liz, her eyes sparkle, her voice exudes excitement, and her ideas begin to flow easily. As Liz has said, “teaching early childhood education is something I do with a passion.” When speaking with her, this immediately becomes evident. During our interviews with Liz, it instantly became clear that she had a similar vision to ours. She wants to provide rich opportunities to instill pride and knowledge of our Jewish heritage to young children and their families. Liz enjoys encouraging individuals, both children and adults, as they strive to develop their fullest potential. She sees our children experiencing Judaism by incorporating Jewish values, holidays and traditions into everyday learning. Whether learning about a holiday, exploring the environment, or merely playing with friends, Liz and her staff will integrate Judaism into a story, song, imaginative play, art, or science. She believes that Judaism becomes a living experience for all those who are a part of the program – children, parents, grandparents, and staff. Liz is easy going, flexible and not afraid to take chances. Additionally, she seems to find the perfect balance between challenging and nurturing the children. She has been described as having “a magical way of infusing a room with positive, motivating energy.” It is for this reason, that in her classes, children learn to love school. She has mastery in understanding children’s needs and assessing their capabilities. Clearly, these are all important characteristics of someone who is starting a new preschool. Each of her references was glowing, whether it was former parents, co-workers or board members. Parents commented that Liz “had a gift for teaching” and that she was “truly a treasure.” One parent wrote, “I can only hope that I am able to instill in my children the pride and love of Judaism and each other that you and your children have demonstrated.” A co-teacher wrote, “Teachers like Liz are the true treasures of our field.” It is clear that Liz has a multitude of strengths and skills that will be invaluable as our new Preschool Director. Liz will be working part time until June, when she moves to the area. Our preschool will be hosting a “preschool shower” on April 10, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and we would love for our community to come and see our first model classroom, meet our new Director and see the joy and excitement of our littlest additions. Congregation B’nai Shalom is truly becoming “children of peace.” We will shortly be hearing the joyous songs and laughter of our children during the week hours of nine to one each weekday. April 2005 |
It
is with great enthusiasm that I share Congregation B’nai Shalom’s
newest endeavor. In September 2005, Gan B’nai Shalom (Garden
of “Children of Peace”) will open two preschool classes
under the leadership of our new Director, Liz Kaufman.