Consistent with the spirit and practice of the Jewish tradition, Temple Beth Am is dedicated to educating our youth in the principles and practices of our heritage.

Here are the members of our fine staff of Educators for 2008-2009.

My name is Nancy Rotatori, and this is my 14th year at Temple Beth Am. I live in Grafton with my husband and three boys ages 18,16, and 10. I have been teaching the Kindergarten program for several years and used to also teach in the Gan (Pre-K) as well. I grew up in Framingham and have been a member of Temple Beth Am since I was in Kindergarten. I was consecrated, became a Bat Mitzvah and went through Confirmation here. This temple has a great deal of meaning and memories for me.

During the week I teach at the Boroughs Jewish Community Center Preschool. I work with the 3 year olds. I also work at YMCA parent/child support program. I enjoy teaching the young children and shaping their futures. There is nothing more rewarding than a smile, hug or high five from a child.

I have a degree in in elementary education with a minor in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. My hobbies include watching all of my boys play their many sports, now including driving to Endicott College to see my oldest son play lacrosse, reading non-fiction books, planting our veggie garden and spending lots of time with my family.

I am excited to be returning for my third year at Temple Beth Am Religious School. I am especially excited to be teaching 1st grade this year!

In addition to teaching 1st and 8th grades, I am also the Youth Educator, advising BATY (Beth Am Temple Youth) and JBAT (Junior BATY)in both local and regional NFTY (North American Federation of Temple Youth)events.

I have recently started a new position as the Education Director at the Old South Meeting House Museum in Boston. Through my experience as a museum educator, I strive to incorporate hands-on and group learning that build connections.

Before moving to Massachusetts 2 years ago with my partner, Meghan, I was the Assistant Director of the Holocaust Resource Center & Archives in Queens, NY, where I coordinated education and public programming, as well as maintained the Center's library and archives.

I also taught kindergarten at Rye Community Synagogue in Rye, NY. For the previous 5 years, I taught 3rd, 6th, 7th, and 9th grades at Temple Beth Torah in Nyack, NY (where I became a Bat Mitzvah). I received my Bachelor of Arts in 2001 from SUNY Buffalo in English & Classics, and my Master of Science Degree in Education, specializing in Creative Teaching and Learning at the College of New Rochelle in 2008. I am particularly proud of winning the Creative Teaching Award given by Rockland Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education in 2004.

I am the 2nd Grade teacher at Temple Beth Am. This is my third year here teaching.

I come from a long line of Religious School Teachers. Both my Mother and Grandmother taught for many years and passed on their knowledge and love of Judaism to me. I look forward to passing on the Jewish history and traditions that I have been surrounded by my whole life to my new group of students.

I have taught Hebrew school for over 30 years, spending most of my time at Congregation B'nai Shalom in Westboro and Temple Beth Sholom in Framingham, where my family belonged for many years.

Currently we are members of Temple Israel in Natick. Over the years I have taught all grades from pre- school to adult Hebrew. Teaching at Beth Am is special for me as my first teaching job when we moved to Framingham was at Temple Beth Am! My husband, David, and I have 5 children; 3 by birth and 2 by marriage. We also have a delightful 2 year old granddaughter! We are fortunate they all are nearby and we are close. During the school year, I run the libraries at Brophy and Hemenway Elementary Schools

I am entering my fifth year as the fourth grade Hebrew school teacher at Temple Beth Am. I hold a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Vermont and a Master of Professional Studies from Manhattanville College, where I specialized in reading and writing. Previously, I taught kindergarten for five years at a Jewish day school in Stamford, Connecticut.

I live in Framingham with my husband and two children, Lily and Max. I love spending time with my family, and I also enjoy painting, doing mosaics and training for running races.

This will be my 3rd year teaching at Temple Beth Am. I have been involved in Jewish education for over 35 years.

I started my career by leading the Jr. Congregation services at my synagogue in Pittsfield, MA when I was in high school. My formal Jewish educator's training came from the Jewish Theological Seminary.

I led a USY group in Va. Beach, VA with my husband, Andy. When we were transferred to Japan, I had the opportunity to teach Jewish children and adults to read Hebrew. Upon our return to America, I worked 3 summers at Camp Ramah in Palmer, first as a counselor and then as an arts & crafts teacher.

I am the new 6th grade teacher here at Beth Am. I am very excited about this new position, though I have been teaching in religious schools for over ten years in the North Shore.

I hail from Peabody, but I am no stranger to Framingham. I have many fond memories shared with friends from Camp Pembroke, where I spent over 13 summers.

I enjoy Zimriyah, Tefillah and Jewish traditions, and I look forward to imparting this fondness on your children as they continue on their journey to becoming B'nai Mitzvah.

I grew up in the suburbs of New York, and have been involved in Reform Judaism for all of my life.

I first started teaching in religious schools over 30 years ago, and during that time have taught music, directed choirs, taught groups K through High School, and worked with Junior and Senior Youth groups. Additionally, I served as congregational Cantorial Soloist at Temple Shalom Emeth in Burlington MA for 14 years.

My wife and I live in Framingham, where our two boys attend both the public schools and the TBA religious school.