Gail Ben Meir wins Grinspoon-Steinhardt Excellence in Jewish Education Award

Gail Ben Meir was recently awarded the 2009 Grinspoon-Steinhardt Excellence in Jewish Education Award.

The Grinspoon-Steinhardt award is a joint effort of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Foundation and local communities. Seattle has participated in this award process for several years through the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. These awards are given to local educators who make a lasting impact on the lives of Jewish children.

Nominees for this award must demonstrate exceptional achievement and serve as role models in Jewish education. Additionally, the individual must have a minimum of three years of experience and teach at least six hours per week in a Jewish day school or other formal Jewish educational setting.

This year’s Seattle award winner is Gail Ben Meir, an early childhood educator at the Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle. Ben Meir has over 20 years experience teaching in the early childhood classroom. Cindy Benedek, associate head of the Jewish Day School, describes Ben Meir as “not only an outstanding individual but also a gifted and talented educator. Gail has a natural ability to teach, a commitment to her learners and a depth of Judaic knowledge.” Further, Benedek shared that Ben Meir has created a wonderful environment for both parents and students as they begin their Jewish educational journey together.

In her own words, Ben Meir shared, “I chose teaching because I want to nurture and guide young children by teaching them Jewish values. My favorite part of teaching is the reward I get from the smiles I see on the faces of the children. Teaching is the most exciting and rewarding job around. Teachers truly lead the way.”

She continued, “My most significant contribution is teaching Judaism in a fun, real and interactive manner. My objective is to capture the kids’ attention through dramatic play, story-telling, puppets, costumes and re-enactment. I love to bring the joy of Shabbat into the classroom by dancing, challah baking, and interacting with the children.”

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