26 | MAY 19 • 2022 Bortnick is an amazing teacher,” said one parent. “She goes above and beyond to help students. She will investigate the ways to adapt techniques that engage the students. She is patient and has a sense of humor.” LAUREN STERLING, HILLEL DAY SCHOOL Lauren Sterling teaches English at Hillel Day School. “She is able to approach students with kindness and Humor. She fol- lows through when a student is having dif- ficulty and adjusts the curriculum,” said one parent. ADINA LEVIN, HILLEL DAY SCHOOL Adina Levin teaches first- grade Hebrew at Hillel. “ All three of my children were blessed to learn Hebrew from Morah Levin. She teaches with such love and patience that even my most reluctant Hebrew learner enjoyed his time with her,” said one parent. NICK PORTERFIELD, HILLEL DAY SCHOOL Nick Porterfield, who teaches fifth grade at Hillel, was nom- inated by one of his 11-year- old students, who said Mr. Porterfield “really gets what it’s like to be a kid.” He added that his “empathy about how hard, boring or stressful school can be” help motivate him to work hard and succeed in class. DEVRA GOLDBERG, NORUP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Devra Goldberg is a third- grade teacher at Norup Elementary School in Oak Park. She was nominated by a parent who volunteered in her classroom and saw her in action. “She is awesome in the way she can control the class without ever raising her voice or criticizing any student other than very mildly. She is very loving toward her students,” she said. HIGH SCHOOL WINNER: ERIC RAPP , FRANKEL JEWISH ACADEMY Eric Rapp is the Mathematics Department Chair at FJA, where you can often find him quietly working in his classroom while most of the students are still asleep. One of Mr. Rapp’s colleagues recently wrote of him, “Mr. Rapp is the cornerstone of this entire institution. Over the years, he has touched the lives of countless students. He raises the bar for teachers and leaders, holding his students accountable with high expectations but always making sure they’re supported to reach those expectations. ” Mr. Rapp is also known for implementing silly yet meaningful community building activities with his students just to show how much he cares about them. He has inspired many students who pre- viously disliked math to go on to careers in fields where math is paramount. The bonds he creates with students last well beyond graduation. Years later, he still meets with a group of past students to see the latest Star Wars movie whenever a new one is released. According to FJA Principal Erika Weiler, “Everything he does is guided by what is best for the students of FJA. Eric is always researching ways to elevate and expand the offerings that are available to our students. Eric cares so much about the FJA students that he tries to keep track of and in touch with as many FJA alumni as possible. Eric Rapp provides the absolute best experience and support for students. ” Added Rabbi Azaryah Cohen, FJA Head of School, “Eric is the teacher any parent would want for their kids, the colleague any teacher would want to work with, the professional any organization would cherish and the person every student would aspire to emulate. ” HONORABLE MENTIONS REBECCA STROBEHN, FRANKEL JEWISH ACADEMY Rebecca Strobehn is a Jewish Studies teacher at Frankel Jewish Academy. “Her enthu- siasm, not just for Jewish Studies, but for using Jewish Studies to help students explore aspects of their own beliefs and identities that they may not have considered is inspir- ing, ” said one of her colleagues. “She lives her life modeling for students the value added of these important Jewish institutions to the community. ” HADASS KIDRON, FRANKEL JEWISH ACADEMY “When I started at FJA, coming from public school, I was very nervous about taking Hebrew at a high school level, ” said the student who nominated her. “From the beginning, Morah Kidron did everything she could to make sure we were learning, and I was confident. She works with each student individually and really cares for each person!” IRA GOLDBERG, BERKLEY HIGH SCHOOL Ira Goldberg teaches at Berkley High School in the Social Sciences Department, working with students taking Advanced Placement classes. “Ira brings a sense of dedication to his work and is always there for his students and their families to help ensure a successful educational experience, ” a colleague said. “Ira represents the best in our educational system, and we are proud to call him our own. ” LINDSEY RUBIN, LAKELAND HIGH SCHOOL Lindsay Rubin teaches business and marketing at Lakeland High School in White Lake, where she is also the junior class sponsor and DECA advisor. DECA is a business club/competition that brings the classroom experience to life. Recently she had about 100 students at the county level of competition. Of those, nearly 50 went on to compete at the state level of competition. Of those, she took 25 for national competition in Atlanta, Georgia. She has received numer- ous accolades from former students who credit her with their success in the business world. OUR COMMUNITY continued from page 24