By Danit Schusterman
This past September, I began a new job teaching 4th grade at Beis Rivkah Elementary School on Lefferts Avenue. I took the job because we had just moved back to Crown Heights, it is a five-minute commute from our new home, I’d be able to keep an eye on my daughters who would be new to the school, and the hours really work for me.
I have always loved teaching and have worked in a few schools over the years so my expectations were to go into work every day, make the most of my time in the classroom, and go home at the end of each day.
What I did not expect was how much I would enjoy it.
From my very first day on the job, something very interesting began to happen. I actually liked being there. I started to look forward to going in to work. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. When my friends and family (who were just as skeptical as I was when I took the job) would ask me how it was going, my answer was always, “Shockingly, I really, really enjoy it!” and we would just laugh.
Every day, as I walk through the halls of Beis Rivkah, the teachers and staff members are all so warm and friendly, always smiling and stopping for a quick chat to check in with each other. I walk into the teachers’ room, and being ‘the new kid in town’ I was made to feel like part of the family right away.
Working with Mrs. Leah Jacobson as my mentor and boss has been a most empowering experience. She treats all the teachers with respect and is a most extraordinary role model. Any time I have ever needed guidance, she made time to talk. Her advice has been consistently spot-on.
Mrs. Naomi Pinson is an exceptional vice principal. She is professional yet caring and supportive, always there to guide and encourage us with whatever we may need.
And then, of course, there are the Beis Rivkah students.
These girls are fabulous! Their eyes just sparkle and you feel the incredible energy of these young minds and souls. Teaching my students this year has been so fulfilling, rewarding and really fun. I have dealt with many different parents of my students throughout the year and I will say that every single parent I have spoken to has been so courteous and respectful, it has been an absolute pleasure.
The Beis Rivkah PTA has truly mastered the art of making a teacher feel appreciated. They have constantly been showering the teachers with gorgeous, classy gifts always with a beautiful meaningful note attached expressing their appreciation for all our hard work. These are given out for every holiday or special day on the Jewish calendar.
Every Rosh Chodesh, the teachers’ lounge is sent a delicious spread of sushi, gourmet pizza, ice cream, and pancakes or bakery goodies. It feels so wonderful to be so appreciated as a teacher.
I was interested to check in with some of my co-workers to see if they felt the same way about working in Beis Rivkah. I had a chat with Mrs. Tzippy Dalfin, who teaches 5th grade, to ask her about her thoughts and experiences since she started working in Beis Rivkah this year.
Here’s what she said:
“What I really love about teaching in Beis Rivkah is the atmosphere and the energy of the girls. It feels so special to teach the Rebbe’s children. The teachers are like one family, and the students see and feel that. The respect, acknowledgement and appreciation that we, the teachers, receive from Mrs. Leah Jacobson is just incredible. There is so much positive motivation going on, always focusing on the midos of the students. I love how every month there is a new positive project which gets the girls so excited to do good things, to ‘get caught’ doing good. I enjoy seeing how excited the girls are and how much pride they have in their work. I wish people knew how much work, heart and soul goes into running this school on a daily basis!”
Dalia Reichman, another fellow teacher in Beis Rivkah also shared her thoughts with me. “Working in Beis Rivkah, there is a warmth that you just cant describe. Mrs. Jacobson just has your back. She has the students back. She creates an atmosphere where we are all in tune with each other. There is a feeling of a constant desire to grow and move forward, to always be a better teacher, a better person.”
Like I said, I had no expectations when I took this job. But I now feel like I am a part of something really special that is going to continue to grow and blossom. I look forward to being there along the way as this happens.
Thank you Danit for celebrating what is good and right. The girls are blessed to have you has their teacher. From strength to strength to you and all the staff and students.
This positivity is the way to bring Moshiach.
There is always a positive way at looking at things and it should be the only way of looking at things. We can all look at things like Danit. Danit I love you!
Thanks for giving my 3 daughters in bais rivkah an incredible year and for all the nachas and caring so much. The teachers are always available when we have a concern.thanks Esther Wilhelm for the special attention you give and showing so much care and love
Mrs. Shusterman is an amazing teacher.
She makes each girl feel so special and succeed and their own their own level.
She is truly a gifted teacher.
Beautiful article!!
I happen to be Danit Schusterman’s father and very rarely do I publicize my opinions or thoughts in a forum such as this…. but this time I make an exception. I have witnessed my daughter’s transition into the world of Beis Rivkah from the very beginning (when she was still one of the students), and all I can say is a huge “Yesher Koach” to Danit and the team of educatiors that she is part of….. A special thanks to Mrs Jacobson with whom my parent/Principle relationship goes back a few years(when Danit’s kid sisters were her students)… for supporting… Read more »
This is so refreshing and inspiring !
People are so bitter about teaching, full of complaints.
I am a teacher and can’t think of any job that would bring me the same level of joy, yes, joy, satisfaction and sense of belonging and making a difference.
Many people think teachers are unhappy and had to settle for the job. Danit is one example of someone who has what to give, and enjoys giving! It is the most uplifting thing!
So Tru beutiful article
Beautiful article!! Thank you
Thank you, Mrs. Rosenfeld, for everything!
My daughter loves going to school bh
thank you for giving each girl attention and bringing out the good middos of each one!
Esty Newfield, you are amazing!
Bais Rivkah is lucky to have you.
YOU ROCK! hands down best person out there working in bais rivka!
From grade 1 to grade 12, I walked the halls of Beis Rivks. I’m so grateful to the teachers who cared, the teachers who talked to me after class, the ones who answered my incessant questions and never made me ashamed for asking.
Thank you Beis Rivka teachers!
Such a beautiful article!
I just love the atmosphere in the school and the friendship between the teachers. Walking down the halls inspires me daily by the positive energy of the wonderful girls.
I work in Bais Rivkah as well and agree with everything you described. Rabbi Newman greets each student and staff member with a warm, caring smile as we enter the hall in the morning. My students look forward to going to Rabbi Newman’s office to ask him a challenging question that came up in class or to show him their completed assignments. In the primary department, Mrs. Feldman, Mrs. Brawer, Mrs. Avichzer, and Mrs. Sternberg make it pleasant and enjoyable to work as a team to help our students succeed. And yes! The students make it all worth it as… Read more »
of both. bais Rivkah and Danit Schusterman.
class of ’76. BAIS RIVKAH YOU ARE OUR LINK AND OUR CHAIN
I love coming to work everyday. I love being surrounded and spending each day with my amazing co-workers and my beloved students. Working in beis rivka is a gift that I am grateful for every day.
I am so proud my daughters go here!!
Go Benjy!!
Finally, a nice article that actually has only positive things to say about one of our historic mosdos and comments that reflect those positives back.
Keep it up everyone. We are fortunate to have Bais Rivkah.
my daughter has Mrs. Reichman as a teacher and she just absolutely loves her! every day she comes home with something interesting and fun that she has done with the girls!
Thank You to the best secretary Devorah Leah for coordinating our Rosh Chodesh treats. It really shows appreciation for the teachers.
Thank you for being the teacher that this community needs. You are truly inspiring and a wonderful role model. I wish I had a teacher like you when I went to Bais Rivkah. Your students are very lucky to have you!
Beis Rivkah is lucky to have such an incredible educator! And they deserve her!
The love and dedication by the Beis Rivkah teachers make such a difference to the girls school experience. My daughter is so lucky to have you 🙂
We consider ourselves to be the luckiest parents and hit the Jackpot this year with incredible teachers’. Mrs. Shusterman is so full of life and positive energy. She empowers the girl to create smart and mature choices. She brings out the positive traits in my daughter and gives her the freedom and space to express herself. The girls are given the opportunity to prepare creative lessons and they teach the material to their peers. What better way to truly grasp the concept other then actually giving it over. It has truly been an incredible year that will always be treasured.
A truly gifted educator who is creative and passionate. keep up your amazing work and influence!
Beis Rivka is an incredible school!
The fact it’s an extension of the CH Community gives it a small town, heimishe feel.
And love it.
Great energy.
The best part is the Bais Rivkah Girls. Each one is a gem in her own way.
Truly a zchus, b”h
Best job I have ever had. Wouldn’t trade it in for the world.
My daughter is lucky to have you as a teacher. She enjoys all that you teach and your warmth to the students. May you be successful in your new shlichus.
I work in Bais Rivkah to
And I love it
Best school in the world