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
Ms. 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.

Resource/P.E./Technology Lab - 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.

Second and 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.

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: Stacy Shaener, Math; Jessica Carter, Social Studies; Francine Hampton, Language Arts; Nan Jarashow, Science; Hava Anderson, Hebrew/Judaic Studies

Fifth Grade Math - Stacy Shaener
Mrs. Shaener brings to the Aleph Bet classrooms experience and expertise in reading instruction, a commitment to developing students= mathematical reasoning and building strong computation skills, and a talent for making history come alive. She finds particular pleasure in being part of a community where students= Jewish identity is an integrated feature of their everyday life. Mrs. Shaener holds a B.A. in English, from the University of Albany and received Elementary Certification from Kean College. She was trained at the Singapore Math Institute at Worcester College and has pursued her commitment to Math education in numerous workshops on Mathematics curriculum and instruction.

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, Grade 1-5 – Hava Anderson
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 - Kindergarten – Cheryl Krushat
Cheryl Krushat has been involved in formal and informal Jewish education for over 20 years.  She finds creative, innovative, and educational ways to connect students with their Jewish heritage is her passion and her delight. She sees her role as one who supports, assists, and facilitates an individual's unique journey in "being Jewish," and she finds particular pleasure in working with the diverse students of a pluralistic school.