Pre-School and Kindergarten | Faculty

Jill

Purple Kindergarten & Associate Director of the Akiba-Schechter Pre-School

"If we succeed in giving the love of learning, the learning itself is sure to follow."*

I am dedicated to ensuring that all children and their families have a memorable year in kindergarten. I love to do projects with the children that are "larger than life," such as our 100th day celebration and art gallery opening. I believe curriculum should be child-centered, and one of the many ways I make this happen is by brainstorming project suggestions and ideas from children. The kindergarten year is especially important for social, emotional, and academic growth. I feel it is a privilege to be a part of a child’s life in this critical year.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures. My travels have enhanced my classroom environment. I have a collection of instruments from around the world that my children enjoy.

Before I came to Akiba in 1996, I was a manager at Bloomingdale's for 6 years. Some of the experiences from Bloomingdale's are evident in my classroom, such as organizational and interpersonal skills. My background in visual display can be seen in the Kindergarten classroom and in the bulletin boards at Akiba.

I was honored to be a Kohl/McCormick finalist in 2002 and a Golden Apple nominee in 2005.

I was born in Tucson, Arizona, and have a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from National Louis University.

*Attributed to John Lubbock in Teachers Have Class: A Tribute, by Armand Eisen, edited by Mary Rodarte. Kansas City: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2001.

Modified: Last Modified:August 25, 2007. 16:38:47 pm