JUF’s Community Foundation for Jewish Education has announced nominations for the inaugural Sue Pinsky Award for Excellence in Jewish Education.

The award will recognize outstanding teachers of students between the ages of 3-12 in Jewish Community Center or synagogue early childhood and congregational education classrooms that go above and beyond to positively impact the Jewish life and identity of their students, the students’ families and the school itself.

Pinksy encapsulated the vision of what a recipient of this award – established and endowed in her honor by her children Mark and Lisa – embodies:

“My hope is that this award will be a way to recognize dynamic Jewish teachers who serve as an inspiration for the next generation (of teachers),” Mark said. “It’s those small tastes of Judaism in preschools … (or) in congregational programs – those little sparks that come out of an innovative teacher saying something to a child – these are the things that can turn into a lifelong love of learning and Judaism.”

Basic eligibility criteria are:

• Currently employed as a lead teacher in JCC or independent congregational early childhood classroom or congregational school classroom
• Minimum of five years working in the nominating institution in a lead teacher capacity
• Nomination must be made jointly by both a professional and lay leader of the school

Nomination forms must be completed by Friday, April 17. Finalists will be notified by May 1. To make your nomination, fill out this form.