Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards
Carla Goldberg
Parochial School Teacher
Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School
Chicago
Carla Goldberg wears many hats at her Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School in Hyde Park: In addition to deftly balancing the developmental needs of children in her care in three separate classes, Goldberg is also very visible as the School's associate director and ad hoc fundraiser and public relations professional. But, perhaps, she is known best for her ability to blend seamlessly a curriculum that celebrates Jewish culture into an education that benefits all families. Her students comprise a polyglot of races, cultures and economic backgrounds that are representative of Hyde Park -- including African American, Caucasian, Chinese, Hispanic, Indian, Israeli, Japanese, Russian, and Turkish.
In her classroom, their differences form the basis for an imaginative and truly multicultural education. For example, each year her three to five year olds look forward to their make-believe trip to Israel to celebrate the nation's "birthday," when they simulate getting passports, a customs check, plane ride, and travel to several Israeli cities. And, although her many responsibilities require an organized approach to her work, she never loses sight of the need for wonderment in her teaching approaches.
The "Dance Studio" in her class is another example. Children revel at creating their own dance studio, complete with a "dance bar," "bar lights," "mirror" and stage curtains -- things they make from materials such as shiny paper and egg cartons. Yet, Carla is also a leader outside the classroom. Her colleagues give her kudos for her energy, innovation and willingness to lend a helping hand. Recognizing that the needs of the community around them were changing, she responded by developing two new pre-school programs, which she teaches: Ready! Set! Go! (for two and three year olds); and Parent/Tot, a twice weekly program for children 12 months and up. Goldberg says a recent tragedy involving the sibling of an Akiba-Schechter student, which happened away from the school, reminded her of the need to be a strong advocate for child safety. She has made it a top priority and has devoted much of her extracurricular time to organizing fundraisers for various causes, such as "Kids in Danger," and participating in charitable programs like "Dreams Come True."