Teacher Appreciaton
Educators are special! JES is dedicated to raising the profile of teachers through programs such as Educator Recognition Awards and Teacher Feature, and we express our appreciation through incentives such as Todah Teachers discounts and special programming.
Todah Teachers
A year-round campaign to express appreciation for all the dedicated educators and staff of Baltimore’s Jewish schools. Special programs include Chol Hamoed Family Fun Day at the JCC and raffle weeks with exciting prizes.
Teacher Feature
Giving back to Professionals
School and Educator Grants
We are proud to partner with the Crane Family Foundation to administer the Professional Development and Full Time Teacher Benefit Grants where schools and educators may be eligible to receive a stipend.
Browser Our Educator Resources
Educator Recognition Awards
Baltimore is blessed with a multitude of excellent teachers in all our local schools. Annually, we recognize one distinguished educator for the Sam Kahan Distinguished Educator for Excellence in Jewish Education Award. This award was established by Sam Kahan upon completion of his service to the Associated as Campaign Chair and continued by his family in order to honor Sam for his many years of community leadership. This award perpetuates Sam’s legacy of personal commitment to Jewish education and to strengthening Baltimore’s Jewish educational institutions. The recipient is a master Jewish educator who serves as an inspiration to both students and peers.
Additionally, we host a community-wide nomination process, followed by an awards ceremony in May, where educators can be nominated by their peers and community members for various awards.
Award Description and Recipients
Sam Kahan Distinguished Educator for Excellence in Jewish Education
Established by the family of Sam Kahan in order to honor Sam for his many years of community leadership, this award perpetuates Sam’s legacy of personal commitment to Jewish education and to strengthening Baltimore’s Jewish educational institutions. The recipient is a master Jewish educator who serves as an inspiration to both students and peers.
Past Awardees:
- 2024: Rabbi Gershon Riselsheimer, Ohr Chadash Academy
- 2023: Brachie Frankel, Beth Tfiloh
Early Childhood Teaching Excellence Award
Honors an early childhood teacher for creative teaching and nurturing of young Jewish children with an integrated curriculum and environment, employing developmentally appropriate methods.
Past Awardees:
- 2024: Basya Kadish, Bais Yaakov and Baily Wolowik, Cheder Chabad
Special Education Award
Honors an educator who displays sincere dedication to and advocacy for their students as well as creative and effective methodologies for reaching all learners.
Past Awardees:
- 2024: Chani Rayman, JEWELS
Congregational School Educator Award
Honors an educator in a congregational school who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to educating students in part-time Jewish schools.
Past Awardees:
- 2024: Toria Burrow, Bolton Street Synagogue
General Studies Educator Award
Honors an educator who demonstrates exceptional commitment to teaching in a Jewish day school environment, inspires children toward greater academic success and creatively works with the curriculum to maximize learning.
Past Awardees:
- 2024: Sima Eastman, Talmudical Academy
Ahavat Tzion Award
Honors an educator who demonstrates dedication to instilling a love and knowledge of Israel in students of any age.
Past Awardees:
- 2024: Rochel Vim, Bais Yaakov Middle School
Inspiring Educator Award
Recognizes an educator who inspires students, colleagues and families with commitment to community.
Past Awardees:
- 2024: Erica Allen, Krieger Schechter Day School and Rosenbloom Religious School at Chizuk Amuno
Jewish Educational Leadership Award
Honors a principal for dedication to professional growth, commitment to effective school structure and inspirational leadership on behalf of the Jewish community.
Past Awardees:
- 2024: Michelle Gold, Goldsmith Early Childhood Education Center
