Pamela Gorin, Director of Early Childhood Education, Shaare Torah

I would like to introduce myself to all of you. I’m Pam Gorin, the new Director of Early Childhood Education here at Shaare Torah. I have been working in the field of Jewish Education for over 20 years.

I began teaching in Religious School but very quickly realized that my passion is with working with our youngest learners. My education was in Theatre (I have both a B.A. and an M.A. in Theatre), so a number of years ago, I went back to school to work on a second master’s in Jewish Education. In November, I will celebrate my tenth anniversary of becoming a director.

When I’m not here at Shaare Torah, I am at home with my husband of 23 years, Howard. Howard is the rabbi at Tikvat Israel Congregation in Rockville. We have two children, Emma, 21, who is pursuing a degree in Vocal Performance at George Mason University, and our 19 year old son, Yonatan, who is spending the year at a Yeshiva in Israel. Rounding out the family are our two dogs--Frankie an 11 year old, 85 pound black lab and Riley, a one year old, 12 pound terrier mix.

Our teachers help make our program spectacular with their warm and caring personalities. Each teacher:

• Develops and teaches creative secular and Judaic programs while staying within the requirements of the school’s overall curriculum.
•  Is experienced in early childhood education.
• Provides a nurturing atmosphere that is warm, loving, and accepting.
• Facilitates the development of a positive self image for each child
• Encourages parent involvement in the learning process and weekly Shabbat celebrations.
• Provides many opportunities for each child to communicate and to develop individual abilities for self-expression.
• Encourages each child to learn new concepts through play and interactive learning.
• Is certified in both CPR & First Aid.