BOCA RATON– Jill Spielman has been named this year’s Grinspoon-Steinhardt National Teacher of Excellence Award recipient for South Palm Beach County.
Spielman, who serves as Judaic Studies Curriculum Integration Specialist for the Claire and Emanuel G. Rosenblatt High School at Donna Klein Jewish Academy, received the award at the school’s recent graduation ceremony. This award is presented annually to a teacher who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in Jewish education, making a significant impact on students and the community.
“The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is delighted to partner with our area schools in recognizing an outstanding local day school educator each year,” said Marilyn Nachman, Director of School Educational Services for the Federation’s Department of Jewish Education, which coordinates the community’s Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award selection process.
“Awardees receive $1,000 from our day school community plus $1,000 from the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Foundation to further enhance their professional work. Educator quality is the most important influence on student achievement, and high quality professional development is essential to increase educators’ capacities to enable all students to learn.”
Spielman was nominated by Helena Levine, DKJA High School principal and Rabbi Tzvi Berkson, DKJA principal of Middle School & High School Judaics.
“I’ve come across very few teachers in my career who do so much so expertly, as Jill Spielman does,” said Rabbi Berkson. “Her knowledge of Jewish history and culture make her an expert in her field. Throughout her tenure, I have seen her grow professionally, making great effort to advance her skills. She has a classroom management style that demands the best work from students, while also making them feel confident and secure. She spends many hours with them outside class as well, giving extra help, providing support, and in extracurricular activities.”
“Jill Spielman is the quintessential teacher of excellence in and out of the classroom,” said Levine. “She takes pride in being able to reach each and every student as the primary focus of her lessons. Outside the classroom, her strong leadership abilities are unparalleled.”
Spielman received MA degrees with Honors in Jewish Studies and Jewish Education from BaltimoreHebrew University, and her BA in Judaic Studies from University of Maryland. Prior to joining DKJA in 2008, she worked at the American Hebrew Academy, a coeducational Jewish Boarding School inGreensboro, N.C.
A resident of Coconut Creek, Spielman will also be honored at the national Grinspoon-Steinhardt Awards ceremony. Her name has been added to an award plaque in the Federation’s Department of Jewish Education offices. She also received a certificate, stating:
“Who are the Guardians of the City, The Teachers of the Torah and Mishna”
The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County serves the Boca Raton, Delray Beach andHighland Beach areas, raising and allocating millions of dollars each year to meet vital needs locally, inIsrael and in 70 countries worldwide. The Federation’s Department of Jewish Education is the central address of the local Jewish educational community, developing strategies and providing educational enrichment opportunities for all segments of the Jewish community and its institutions.