Sherman Oaks Teacher Surprised With $15,000 Jewish Educator Award

LOS ANGELES, CA — Four unsuspecting Los Angeles educators, including a Sherman Oaks teacher, were surprised with $15,000 cash prizes, the Milken Family Foundation announced Thursday.

The unrestricted cash awards are for Los Angeles-area Jewish day school educators recognized with the prestigious Jewish Educator Award for their contributions to excellence in education. The Awards, were presented annually during surprise assemblies by the Milken Family Foundation with Builders of Jewish Education.

The recipients are:

· Anna August, General and Judaic Studies Art Teacher, Sinai Akiba Academy, Los Angeles

"Every student at Sinai Akiba Academy is a celebrated artist thanks in large part to Mrs. Anna August, the school’s Judaic and General Studies Art Teacher. For more than two decades, Mrs. August’s art curriculum based on Bible interpretations and Jewish holidays has sparked a passion for creativity among her students," according to Jewish Educator Award officials.

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· Rabbi Avraham Berman, Judaic Studies Teacher, Yavneh Hebrew Academy, Los Angeles

"For the past 15 years, Rabbi Avraham Berman has been the first to arrive every day to lead Morning Minyan for students at the Yavneh Hebrew Academy. His energy, passion and zest for Judaic Studies has set a high bar both inside and outside of the classroom. Like clockwork, his unwavering commitment to students has made him a respected leader at Yavneh," according to Jewish Educator Award officials.

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· Sarah Shpall, General Studies Teacher, Wise School, Los Angeles

"Ms. Sarah Shpall, a General Studies teacher at the Wise School, has been passionately instructing the next great generation of writers, performers and scholars for over 13 years. Ms. Shpall uses her infectious sense of humor, creativity and artistic skills to engage sixth grade students in their daily studies, expertly weaving Torah teachings and Judaic principles into every lesson," according to Jewish Educator Award officials.

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· Rabbi Moshe Tropper, Vice Principal, Emek Hebrew Academy, Sherman Oaks

"Rabbi Moshe Tropper has spent over two decades tirelessly advocating for advances in Jewish education and developing innovative learning programs at Emek Hebrew Academy. After years as an elementary educator, Rabbi Tropper stepped into the role of middle school vice principal in 2021. His newly implemented Kriah learning program allows students to develop their Hebrew reading, decoding and fluency, then use an assessment tool to monitor their progress," according to Jewish Educator Award officials.

"Beyond the classroom, Rabbi Tropper builds community through unique educational opportunities whole families can enjoy: a father-son learning program, community sports and learning league, parent volunteer program, Sukkot fair and Chanukah bingo night. Students near and far participate in the rabbi’s summer camp, which offers Jewish enrichment, arts, games, team-building activities, and more. His dedication to education continues to foster a love of learning in hundreds of young Jewish scholars."

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“When making the decision to become a teacher, I thought about all the teachers I have had over the years and the impact they had on me. I wanted to provide that impact for other kids and to teach them to love school,” said recipient Sarah Shpall, “Each day I want my students to leave feeling good about themselves, learning not only academics, but also how to have a good heart and be a good human.”

A confidential committee of educators, professionals and lay leaders among the Jewish community select Award recipients annually according to these criteria:

· Exceptional educational talent and promise, as demonstrated by innovative practices in the classroom, school and community.

· Evidence of originality, dedication and capacity for leadership and self-direction.

· Commitment to influencing policies that affect children, their families and schools.

· Strong long-range potential for even greater contribution to children, the profession and society.

· Distinguished achievement in developing innovative educational curricula, programs and/or teaching methods.

· Outstanding ability to empower students' character and self-confidence.

· Skillful ability to develop Jewish children’s understanding of the connections between their religion and activities both inside and outside of the classroom.

· Commitment to continuing Judaic and/or secular study necessary for professional development.

· Personal involvement in responding to the needs of the Jewish and secular communities.

· Criteria for administrators also include outstanding ability to attract, support and motivate committed education professionals.

“Teachers should be recognized, celebrated, and honored in our society for preparing students for a bright future—to move on successfully to the next stage of learning and life,” said Lowell Milken. “In a Jewish day school, teachers also prepare students to acquire an understanding of our people’s values, history, destiny, and responsibility to improve the world.”