22 | MAY 19 • 2022 

OUR COMMUNITY

I

n today’s world, teaching is perhaps the 
most important profession and, some-
times, the least appreciated. A great 
teacher can open students’ minds and 
hearts, challenge them to greater heights 
and inspire them to become better people.
In the Talmud, it states that “parents 
bring a child into this world, but a teacher 
can bring a child into the World to Come” 
— into a world of imagination, self-discov-
ery, creativity, ideas and self-worth.
This year, the JN asked the community 
to nominate their favorite teachers for our 
inaugural “Educator of the Year” awards. All 
of the nominees were worthy of recognition. 
We chose our top three in Early Childhood, 
Elementary and Secondary education and 
honor all the other nominees from the com-
munity.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

WINNER: SHARON 
OZROVITZ, FARBER 
HEBREW DAY SCHOOL
As someone once said, “It takes 
a big heart to help shape little 
minds.
” Sharon Ozrovitz, a 

Nursery 2 teacher at Farber Hebrew Day 
School has such a heart and creates genuine 
connections with her students. Parents say, 
“She works hard to include a variety of top-
ics and subjects in the curriculum, from all 
the Jewish holidays to things like Earth Day 
and the importance of recycling and pro-
tecting our planet. “The kids soak up all the 
information they learn from her class.
”
Farber Head of School Josh Levisohn 
said, “This is such a deserving honor for a 
teacher who is so dedicated, loving and car-
ing. Sharon has the ability to see each child 
at their level and makes each one feel loved 
as if they are the only child that matters. She 
makes everything fun so that the children 
play without realizing just how much they 
are learning. We are tremendously proud of 
Sharon and her impact on our young ones.
”

HONORABLE MENTIONS

JACKIE EATON, HILLEL 
DAY SCHOOL
Jackie Eaton, from Hillel Day 
School, works with 2-to-3-year 
olds. According to parents, she 
is a “fantastic teacher” who is 

“always on top of things, the best at com-
municating, knows each student so well, 
and has made our first year at Hillel a great 
one.
” 

ANNA GARTMAN, HILLEL 
DAY SCHOOL
Anna Gartman pivoted last 
year school year to lead the 
Kindergarten Flex class, adapt-
ing to online learning and 
teaching, and creating a warm environment 
(over Zoom, no less!). Said one parent, 
whose daughter was the first one in her 
class to get glasses, “Ms. Anna went out of 
her way to wear her own glasses — when 
she normally always wears contacts — so 
that my daughter would feel comfortable!”

ELEMENTARY

WINNER: JODI TEPPER, 
HILLEL DAY SCHOOL
Jodi teaches first and second 
grade general studies at Hillel 
Day School. Prior to Hillel, she 
worked in public school for 
nearly 20 years.

The JN honors the best and brightest 
teachers in our community.

Educators 
 
of the
Year

JN STAFF

continued on page 24

