This is Shardae Jordan, Early Childhood Lead Teacher at JCC of the East Bay. Shardae is one of those ⭐️ teachers in our community, who recently finished the ElevatedTogetherprogram, made possible in partnership with Jewish LearningWorks. Her words speak about her growth, and how it directly impacts the healthy development and learning of the children of our community. Clap clap clap! 👏"I am deeply grateful for my experience in this program. It has profoundly grounded me as an educator and strengthened my connection to Jewish education. Through ElevatEd, I have developed the ability to seamlessly integrate Jewish identity and culture into every activity I introduce, making each lesson more meaningful and enriching for my students.One of my most impactful takeaways from the program was the concept of “Bring it to Life,” introduced by Jonathan Chapman. This philosophy has transformed my teaching approach in a way I never imagined possible. Now, I find myself creatively incorporating storytelling techniques with props, music, and choreographed movement that invite the children to actively participate. I’ve also started designing provocations and invitations that feel as if they’ve been directly inspired by the beautifully illustrated books we read. These elements have helped to spark curiosity, imagination, and a sense of wonder in my classroom.The simple yet profound idea of “bringing it to life” has completely transformed my provocations, circle time, and my overall approach to teaching. As a result, my two-year-old students are more engaged than ever before, eagerly anticipating each day at school. The joy and excitement they bring to their learning environment is a testament to the lasting impact this program has had on my teaching practice."Shardae JordanKitat Gefen Lead Teacher, JCC Eastbay ... See MoreSee Less

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