The week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and we are pleased to spotlight 4 extraordinary teachers who work at the Jewish Community Center’s Early Childhood program in Getzville.  This commemoration originated in 1953 thanks to Eleanor Roosevelt, who convinced Congress that there needed to be a specific day on which teachers were recognized.  However, it would take another 27 years for it to become an official national day in 1980.  Then, in 1984, National Teachers Day became Teacher Appreciation Week, since there are so many wonderful educators that need to be honored and celebrated.  This week, meet four additional teachers at the JCC: Barb Chazen, Nikki Berg, Donna Levy, and Julie Kweller.

Barb Chazen began working at the JCC’s Early Childhood program 16 years ago.  While she has worked with every age group, her favorite is the 3 year-old classroom.  Barb also has a Master’s Degree in Optical Engineering!

Nikki Berg has worked at Early Childhood since 2018.  Over the past 4 years, she has been able to work with every class and age group.  Although, she spends most of her time working in the 3 year-old and toddler classes.  Fun fact about Nikki – she can wiggle her right ear!

Donna Levy started working at the JCC Early Childhood program in September 2020.  Over the last year and a half, she has floated in all of the classrooms wherever help is needed, but has spent most of her time with the 3 year olds.  Donna has four adopted children from Bogota, Columbia (ages 15, 17, 23 and 25).

Julie Kweller worked for Early Childhood for a few months all the way back in 1984.  After a 37 year break, she came back in 2021 to help out with the 3 and 4 year-old classrooms.  In her free time, Julie enjoys a good hike!

Thank you Barb, Nikki, Donna, Julie and all of the other Educators in Jewish Buffalo for continuing to make a lasting impression on your students’ lives.

The Early Childhood Center at the JCC is designed to give our youngest learners the foundation they need to cultivate a thirst for knowledge and curiosity that will last a lifetime.  A NAEYC accredited program, the Getzville location (on North Forest Road) has 8 classrooms for children ages 9 months through pre-K.  Limited space is available for the upcoming year (beginning September 2022).  For more information, visit jccbuffalo.org/childrens-programs/preschool/benderson