Email: Miriam Kass
2004
M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Lesley College
BA in Religion and Education from Carleton College
8, 9 and 10 year-olds are fascinating people. They have just enough skills and confidence to try new things with enthusiasm. They still love to learn, and, for the most part, they are not burdened with social drama. I love being responsible for teaching so many subjects and skills—reading, writing, social studies, geography, history, civics, math – because they are all so interwoven with each other, and helping the students find those connections enriches their learning.
Setting up my classroom to enable my students to develop and practice the skills of community leadership, lifting up where they can and being lifted up where they are in need. I am mindful that we are Jews in everything we do, including as citizens of the broader secular community in which we all live. I weave core Jewish values into the fabric of our secular curriculum, bridging the divide between Judaic and secular studies. In the end, my goal is to lay a solid foundation for my students to become powerful citizens in a community of learners, a role they can and should play throughout their schooling and for their entire lives.
I come from a family of educators; teaching and building communities of learners is our family business. I always knew I would join the family business. I love to see my students’ eyes light up when they grasp a new concept or discover a new way to connect ideas and enhance their understanding. And watching those students turn and explain their learning to others is simply beautiful.
My love of word games, puzzles, math and good books; writing letters in student journals every day; being a big White Sox fan.
Love to be with my family ... on our bikes, in the kitchen, in the garden, in a new city or country, in a National Park, at a ballgame (White Sox, of course), over a word game, at a concert in the park, with a book ... just together.
