Edna Rubenstein

What do you teach at B’nai Shalom?
I teach 1st through 4th Grade Hebrew and Judaic Studies and 5th/6th Grade Hebrew.

Why do you teach? 
I love the interaction with students. It is very rewarding to be able to discuss opinions and ideas with the younger generation. I love the atmosphere of a school and the interaction with staff, co-workers and students.

Why do you teach at B’nai Shalom? 
I believe in the school mission. Part of my life I spent in a Jewish day school and I was very much influenced by it in creating my love for Israel and the Jewish community. B’nai Shalom’s friendly approach reminds me of my family.

What do you want students to get from having known you? 
I hope to be a good role model for honesty, commitment to do your best, openness to new learning, never being afraid to make mistakes, and mostly loving what you do.

What is the most important life lesson students will learn in your class? 
I want my students to learn to honor and respect others, regardless of your feelings for them, and try to see the good in everyone.

What is the most important life lesson you have learned from your students?
It doesn’t matter how young my students are, there is always something I can learn from them. I am infused with energy and creativity when I work with children.

How do you teach to the way a child learns? 
I try to find out what the child likes and then use it to present the material in a way that he or she best relates to it. We are all different and I aim to approach each student keeping in mind his or her individuality.

What types of professional development have you done in the past year? 
This summer, I attended the Legacy Heritage Teacher Institute for Leadership in Education. This program brought together a large group of Jewish day school teachers in Jerusalem to address ways to further strengthen each schools’ mission statement and accomplish the goals set forth in the mission statement.

In what ways do you collaborate with other teachers?
At B’nai Shalom, we collaborate by integrating General Studies and Judaic Studies. We work together to find what best works for the students. We help each other all the time.