Meet the Chinuch Shlucha: Morah Rivky Eilenberg

By Mushka Cohen – MEF

Please introduce yourself:

My name is Morah Rivky Eilenberg, and I work at Magen Israel Center in Great Neck, New York. I’ve been blessed with the gift of teaching for 8 years.

What are you most excited about for this upcoming school year? 

I feel a mix of excitement and nerves about the new school year. I’m excited to meet my new students and grateful for the opportunity to work with Hashem’s children for another year. However, the nerves come from the high expectations I set for myself as a teacher. Even though my students are young kindergartners, I want to meet them properly and give them my very best.

What advice would you give to new or returning teachers who feel overwhelmed with classroom setup?

If your classroom isn’t exactly as you wanted it, Baruch Hashem. The most important thing is that when the child walks in, they see a teacher who’s smiling and genuinely happy to welcome them. They probably won’t even notice if a border is a little crooked. The joy and warmth you bring are what truly matter.

How do you prepare the classroom for the students?

To create an engaging and welcoming environment for young students, I decorate the classroom door with their names and photos, which helps them feel more comfortable and recognized. I also put a family photo of myself to show that we’re all here and we’re all in it together, including the Morah.

How do you prepare your classroom for the new school year?

I start by reviewing my schedule. From a curriculum standpoint, I ask myself: What needs to be on my wall? Then, I think about the emotional and social aspects of teaching. How can I best support my students? For example, at our school, we emphasize a growth mindset and social-emotional learning, so I choose charts that I can refer to regularly. What are the classroom rules? What do I expect from my students? These are my priorities when setting up my classroom walls.

I also consider accessibility. I place items where I can easily reach them. Whether it’s scissors, pens, or other supplies, saving those extra seconds of searching can make a big difference. The same applies to my students—I make sure they can easily access what they need.

What is your favorite back-to-school tradition or activity?

I send personalized letters to returning and new students before the school year begins. Receiving mail is a special experience for young children, and it shows both them and their parents that I care about them and am looking forward to the year ahead. Even if personalizing each letter is challenging, a general letter with some personalization (plus a small token, such as stickers or a treat) can still positively impact and set a welcoming tone for the school year.

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Originally published in Chinuch Matters, a collaboration of the COLlive Magazine and the Menachem Education Foundation (mymef.org)