What Do You Teach?
May 2017
Teachers are often asked “What do you teach?” Some respond “high school,” others answer “math,” and still others answer “phys ed.” Early childhood teachers answer “I teach children.”
Agudath Israel Early Childhood teachers can truly answer “I teach families and I affect them for years to come.”
It is the greatest joy, and return on investment, when a child who grew up at Agudath Israel comes back as an adult to enroll their own child in our school. It is wonderful when we hear from adults that they can point to much of their Jewish identity being formed in the early childhood center.
Recently we celebrated together as one of the Agudath alum came full circle and returned to perform for our students. Erica Rabner honored us by launching her new children’s album on a Sunday morning in school. The pride was palpable as her former teachers and old classmates joined together for the concert.
After the concert Erica wrote, “CAI and the ECC have influenced and impacted my
life in more ways than I can count. As a nursery student I fell in love with my teachers.. I developed my Jewish identity. I looked forward to Shabbat, discovered and treasured Jewish rituals, and connected with my closest friends who I still hold dear. I forged relationships with families as a child, then a camp counselor, and most recently as a lay leader; a role I cherish deeply.
With Passover around the corner, I can't help but reflect on the role you all played and the opportunities the ECC has given me. It would have been dayenu to have the opportunity to work alongside Susan, someone who has been a role model to me for my entire life. Piloting and coleading the Highlights service alone would have been more than enough. And had the ECC simply invited me to perform, that would have been more than dayenu….
You all go above and beyond every day. It's why I jumped at the opportunity to perform my album for the first time at the ECC. I feel so grateful to be a part of such a warm, welcoming, loving, and supportive community.” Erica’s beautiful words speak volumes about the significant impact of the work we do here.
We are so grateful to be a part of impacting so many families in such a deep and profound way.
We do teach math and science and social skills…. but most of all, we teach families and we influence generations to come.
