The most defining decision I ever made as a parent was choosing Jewish education for my kids. Our toddlers sang joyful songs about Shabbat and introduced me to rich children’s literature that addressed life’s biggest questions. I was privileged to overhear poignant interactions between them guided by Jewish values.
In my experience, education powers conversation, connection, and meaning. It teaches us to make informed choices that reflect our values and shapes the way we move through the world. At ElevatEd, we know that educators are the heart of the school and the center around which the very nature and future of society revolve. We elevate early childhood Jewish educators to nurture the infinite potential of the Jewish community.
ElevatEd is expanding the reach of early childhood Jewish education (ECJE) programs, which play a pivotal role in the lives of children and their families. Strategic recruitment and training of new teachers will begin to address the critical shortage of early childhood Jewish educators. Through thoughtful mentorship, experienced educators will improve their practice and grow as professionals while supporting the development of emerging educators. ElevatEd is working to cultivate satisfying careers and encourage educators to remain in their schools for the long term by creating cohorts that support individuals on their professional journeys.
In addition to excellence in ECJE, ElevatEd actively seeks to develop strong relationships between families and Jewish organizations beyond school walls. Early childhood Jewish education empowers families to find community and can serve as a foundation for life. Through our efforts, families with young children can make informed choices that reflect their values within a Jewish community that supports them every step of the way.
We look forward to collaborating with you and learning from you as we begin this holy work together.
L’shalom,
Orna Siegel
Executive Director, ElevatEd
They work directly with schools, directors, educators, and Jewish communal organizations to support the work of early childhood Jewish educators and build connections to the larger community. These professionals have experience in early childhood teaching and leadership, ensuring that collaboration is woven into the local early childhood network at every level: teachers, mentors, and directors.
Andrea Stein is an early childhood Jewish education advocate and practitioner with a wealth of experience and expertise in the field. Stein holds a master’s degree in Jewish education with a specialization in early childhood education from Hebrew College and has worked as a preschool director and director of young family engagement. Her multifaceted experience has honed her insights into effective educational approaches and strategies. Through ElevatEd, Stein is excited to foster a community of educators who are driven to improve and innovate in their classrooms.
Victoria Bisharat is the network director of pedagogy and leadership at the Efshar Project, which works to improve ECJE in the Denver/Boulder area. A passionate early childhood educator, Bisharat has been a teacher, school leader, graduate teaching assistant, and administrator, and is an advocate in the field of early childhood education. Bisharat earned her undergraduate degree at SUNY Purchase and her master’s degree in educational psychology and early childhood education at the University of Colorado Denver. She is a proud mom to a Boulder JCC alumnus and lives in Erie, Colorado, with her son.
Ellen Lefkowitz holds a joint master’s degree in Jewish education and Jewish nonprofit management from Hebrew Union College. Lefkowitz has worked in congregational education and early childhood Jewish education in the Bay Area for the past two decades. She most recently served as the early childhood director of Temple Sinai in Oakland. Her passion for early childhood Jewish education is based on the belief that the core mission of this work is to support children in their growth through play and to inspire families to embark on Jewish journeys. When not at work, she spends as much time outside as possible, doing yoga, bike riding, running, or hiking. Lefkowitz and her spouse live in Alameda, California, with their daughter and cat.
Sarah Williams is the director of early childhood for the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. She was previously director of the Becker School, an early childhood center at Congregation Emanu El in Houston, as well as the creator of Literacy Enrichment and Play, a play-based approach to literacy development. She earned a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Houston. Williams is a member of Mandel Teacher Educator Institute Cohort 10. She finds great fulfillment in working with and mentoring early childhood professionals and bringing a spotlight to the importance of early childhood education.
Shellie Dickstein is a recognized national leader in early childhood Jewish education and family engagement. She is currently an independent consultant and a mentor in leadership development for American Jewish University’s master’s degree program in early childhood education. For over 25 years, Dickstein was the managing director of early childhood and family engagement for The Jewish Education Project, leading the strategic agenda for over 250 early childhood centers in the New York metropolitan area. Dickstein has written and contributed to various articles, blogs, and publications on Jewish family education. She and her husband are proud parents to their three wonderful children and their spouses, and enjoy spending time with their four grandchildren.
Suri Jacknis is a Jewish educational leader. In her 25-plus years at The Jewish Education Project, she has served in a variety of roles, including director of professional learning, director of the Morasha teacher training program, manager of the Covenant grant for preparing mentor teachers, and co-director of congregational learning. More recently, she was director of educator networks, supporting hundreds of Jewish educators to share wisdom with peers. Jacknis has cofacilitated several networks for early childhood directors and led workshops at early childhood conferences. A veteran change consultant to congregations working to support the development of new models for Jewish learning, Jacknis is also an experienced mentor and workshop leader.
