By COLlive reporter
Bais Rivkah teacher Alte Raskin was named as one of the New York Post’s “Hero of the Day” for her dedication to teaching during the coronavirus pandemic while caring for her newborn son.
One of Raskin’s students, 13-year-old Rosa Majerczyk — whose family was also struck by the crisis — nominated her for The Post’s column.
Raskin, 27, told the NY Post she was expecting a lengthy maternity leave in an empty house with her three girls in school. But when she gave birth on March 18, just as the coronavirus crisis was beginning to sweep New York, she knew that wouldn’t be possible.
She took six short weeks off while another teacher taught her seventh-grade students and at first, she was nervous to get back to work.
The first few days were totally overwhelming. I was like, ‘What am I doing? I maybe should just not go back this year. Maybe this is just not a good idea.’ I have kids, my kids are [doing] online school. They need people all day to troubleshoot them and run around. Plus, I’m postpartum, right, I’m exhausted I could barely move,” she told the NY Post.
Raskin says she wanted to be there for her students, so she gave online school teaching a shot.
Within a few days, she found herself welcoming online learning and the different ways it allowed her to connect with her students. Raskin says she knew she had important lessons to teach, especially as many of her students lost parents or grandparents or struggled with family members in the hospital.
“If you don’t have faith during something like a pandemic, it’s absolutely frightening because the world’s turning on you, there’s no rhyme or reason,” Raskin said.
She implored her students to remember “that G-d has a plan” and they were all put on this earth to make it a “better place,” she told the Post.
You ARE a superwoman! mechayil el Chayil!!!
Best teacher ever! Who could teach Chumash better!?
Best friend! Who can be so sweet!?
As a student, I know firsthand what Mrs Raskin puts into her lessons. The quality of her classes has not even lessened by the fact that she has the challenge of zoom, as well as a baby!!! Thank you for everything you do! I look forward to our upcoming class:)
Mrs. Raskin nee (Itkin) is an incredible teacher but more than that an incredible person!!
She cared for us and had amazing, creative ideas for her Chumash class. Every class she made exciting.. We were so privileged to have her!’
Oh wow, 5 grade was such a great year!!
Thank You Mrs. Raskin!!
Good luck with everything!!
We are so proud of you 💜💜💜 !!
Best Chumash teacher ever!
What a kiddush Hashem!
Best Chumash teacher ever!
A real Eishes Chayil!
rosa ur amazingg!!!
fellow student
Wow!!!! Go Rosa Majerczyk!
Go Rosa!!!!! You are awesome!!!❤️❤️❤️
Your Bubbies
WE LOVE YOU & ARE SO PROUD OF YOU ~ Thank you Mrs. Raskin for your devotion and incredible example !
The Whole Entire Family
Princess Rosa is the preferred nomenclature.
Go Princess Rosa!!
-BFT
She was my teacher a few years ago! She’s the best!