Aleph Bet Jewish Day School
 
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Aleph Bet Jewish Day School
Phone: 410-263-9044
info@alephbet.org
 
Our Faculty and Administration

Head – Nan Jarashow
Drawing on her background in religious studies, her training and experience as an elementary educator, and her tenure as the mother of three, Nan Jarashow enjoys the opportunity Aleph Bet offers to challenge students to grow intellectually and spiritually and to help them find integration in that growth. Ms. Jarashow holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from Carleton College and a M.A.T in Elementary Education from The George Washington University.

Kindergarten - Allison Herman
Years of teaching various ages and mothering 3 sons have led Allison Herman to incorporate multiple modalities in her instruction, ensuring that she reaches each of her students and provides the early success that gives them confidence as learners. Ms. Herman holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and is a graduate of the University of Maryland.

Janet Baer
Whether she is teaching a new prayer, helping a youngster practice reading, or encouraging a budding artist, Janet Baer conveys an air of gentle clarity and provides consistency and support to her students in her role as teaching assistant for the Kindergarten and first grade classes.  Ms. Baer earned a BS degree in Human Ecology and an MA in Education from the University of Maryland, College Park.        

First Grade- Jessica Carter
Jessica Carter was drawn to teaching through a love for children and the inspiration of her own teachers. She is delighted to be working in a Jewish Day School environment because it provides opportunities for students’ personal and moral, as well as academic, growth. Ms. Carter earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education at Bucknell University.

Second Grade/P.E -Kathy Poerstel
Experience as the mother of three very different children has helped to shape Kathy Poerstel's commitment to challenging gifted students, supporting those who struggle, and helping all students to accept themselves and others as unique learners. She participated in the M.A. Program in Educational Technology Leadership at George Washington University and is trained in the Orton Gillingham Method of reading instruction and remediation. Mrs. Poerstel holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Third Grade – Francine Hampton
Her training in recent best practices in education, following years of experience as a parent and informal educator, permits Francine Hampton to address the needs of the whole child in her classroom. Ms. Hampton holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Jacksonville University.

Fourth Grade - Barrie Place
Barrie Place appreciates the variety and uniqueness in her students.  She sees her mission as teaching to each child's interests and needs.  She enjoys the family-like relationships among her students.  Ms. Place earned a BA in history from Brandeis University and took part in the Master of Arts in Teaching program at the Johns Hopkins University.

Fifth Grade
Our fifth grade curriculum truly prepares each child to take the next steps in their lives: Middle School. Each teacher shares her expertise and experience in a subject matter. Through departmentalization, fifth grades have the opportunity to reconnect with each of their former teachers. The following are our teachers for the fifth grade: Margie Sigler, Math; Stacy Shaener, Social Studies, Francine Hampton, Language Arts; Nan Jarashow, Science; Hava Shirazi, Hebrew/Judaic Studies

Art -Chrissy Palko
Chrissy Palko believes that art education must be integrated with general and Judaic curricula. Her students explore a wide range of media and styles, learning about artists and artistic movements, while class projects deepen their understanding of their academic subjects.  Ms. Palko holds a B.S degree in Art Education from Kutztown University and an M.A. in Special Education from Bowie State University.

Music –Elizabeth Melvin
Elizabeth Melvin believes that her role as a music teacher is to help students discover the joy of music-making that is available to everyone, regardless of “talent” or whether an instrument is available. Music is a unique language accessible to all humans through singing, whistling, beating a rhythm with hands or using feet as percussion. She sees music as one of the best ways to build bridges between cultures, between generations, and between communities. Ms. Melvin holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Concentration on Music and Folklore) from the University of North Carolina and has done graduate study in ethnomusicology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Hebrew/Judaic Studies – Hava Shirazi
Hava Shirazi brings a lifetime of Jewish study and practice, and infectious youthful energy, to her role as teacher of Hebrew and Judaic Studies.  Time spent in Israel, and work experience in schools spanning the spectrum of Jewish denominations, give perspective and depth to her teaching.  Ms. Shirazi received a bachelor's degree in Jewish Studies and Criminology from the University of Maryland, College Park, and earned a master's degree in Jewish Studies with concentration in education from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.

Hebrew/Judaic Studies – Kim Jacobsohn
In her teaching, Kim Jacobsohn seeks to create a place for each child to forge a personal connection to Judaism by participating in social action projects, celebrating holidays and Shabbat together, learning about Israel, participating in tikkun olam (repairing the world), and exploring the Torah. Mrs. Jacobsohn holds a B.A. in Holocaust Studies, Western Religion, and Cross-Culture Communication from American University.