Biographies of The Gimmel Teachers

Rich Kramer is a truly unique individual. He brings his lively science interests into the classroom in the form of fascinating participatory projects and demonstrations. One year Gimmels watched Rich fire off a model rocket. Rich was an adolescent science aficionado and spent many happy and intense hours designing rockets and entering them in contests. Rich takes the curriculum where other teachers fear to tread; i.e. setting up a woodworking department in the Gimmel room. There are real tools, safety goggles and, of course, an orientation program on safety procedures. Another great strength that Rich brings to our community is that he is a grownup who likes to play. This allows him to lie on the ground, roll around, sit on the floor, wrestle, cuddle, run away and otherwise spontaneously delight the Gimmel children as he encourages them to celebrate life. Rich tries to let the children take the lead during playtime, finding out what games they enjoy rather than always using his teacher's authority to direct or introduce new things. As much as Rich loves to play, he also brings a peaceful composure to the classroom and to a child's heart.

Rich has a deep commitment to social change (he worked with homeless people before coming to Alef -Bet) and brings this commitment to the classroom where he gently and repeatedly emphasizes the benefits of compromise, tolerance, non-violence and compassion. We value how quiet and tender Rich can be with the children. Rich participates in yoga retreats, group sing along evenings, art making parties and peer therapy. Rich says that he is rediscovering his Jewish roots by teaching the Gimmels about Torah and Jewish holidays. The Gimmel class manages the Tzedakah collected at Shabbat, researching potential recipients and distributing the money. Rich has a BA in Political Science from Vassar College. He has taken courses at Lesley College to be Lead Teacher certified. Also he has taken workshops through Re-Evaluation Counseling about children's emotional development. Rich is EEC Lead Teacher Certified. (6/17/1996)
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Rebecca Byard graduated from Oberlin College where she majored in Biology and environmental studies. She has spent time working at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln, MA as well as at the Boston Museum of Science and the Sciencenter in Ithaca, NY. The combination of her quiet/sensitive and her energetic/exuberant nature provides a perfect balance for our four year olds. Coming to see the Gimmels, one never knows whether you will find a small group nestled closely together listening to a story with her or finding her outside chasing the children around on the playground in the rain. Her gentle character is such that when she provides support to the children in problem solving or conflict resolution, the children truly trust and listen to her. Rebecca's commitment to the environment keeps us mindful of Tikkun Olam. In addition, she is part of a community cooperative supporting local agriculture, thus providing some financial security for farmers against detrimental acts of nature. Her favorite activities to do with children include; science experiments, nature activities, cooking, singing, and art activities. Rebecca is EEC Teacher Certified (9/9/04)
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