Your Chance to Honor a Teacher

“People don’t really care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Too often we underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring. Each of these small acts of kindness have the potential to turn a life around. In the Rebbe’s words:

ועיקר העיקרים שבזה הוא… יחס מיוחד והתקשרות, שזהו הצנור הכי מתאים להחדרה בהילדים אהבת ה’ אהבת התורה ומצותי’. אגרות קודש כ״ק אדמו״ר (חי״ג ע׳ תכד)

The primary foundation is that… a special connection and relationship [with students]… is the most appropriate means for imbuing children with Ahavas Hashem, and love of Torah and Mitzvos.

This year, MEF will be awarding outstanding caring educators with the inaugural Chinuch Awards, the theme being the Chinuch Awards for Caring and Connection. Showing students that they are cared for helps create a positive, supportive relationship and builds an environment where learning can flourish. Teachers who care pave the way for a lifetime of learning, growth, and inspiration.

Two winners – one man and one woman – will receive $3,600 each, and be highlighted as role models to inspire other teachers

Do you know a caring Mechanech/Mechaneches?
Say “thank you” by nominating them for their dedication and devotion!

Anyone can nominate a teacher in a Chabad school who has at least three years of teaching experience, and teaches any subject in grades K-12 (see myMEF.org/thankyou for more details). The Chinuch Awards are seeking two educators, one Mechanech and one Mechaneches, who:

Excel in their genuine Ahavas Yisrael for each talmid/talmida. Show each student that they matter, for who they are.

Create a positive classroom environment where students feel valued.
Seek to understand and validate students’ individual situations, personalities, and needs.Instill in students a sense of self-confidence that inspires them to learn and grow.

Care about and are concerned with the student’s life beyond academics.
Show a sense of responsibility for student well-being.
Find meaningful ways to reach out to students even outside of school.

There are many ways for a teacher to show students that they care. This connection is not measured by the amount of hours or resources the teacher spends, but by the genuine concern – based on chassidishe Ahavas Yisroel, and the realization of the responsibility that a teacher has to his or her students – that a student feels and holds on to for years to come.

Nominees will be vetted to ensure that they are a Dugma Chaya of a chassidishe mechanech(es), as well as exemplary in all of the vital areas of teaching as well. The semi-finalists and 10 finalists will be publicly recognized, with a committee of impartial judges voting for the final winners (the full nomination process can be found at mymef.org/thankyou).

The awards will be presented at the Chabad Chinuch Convention on ד’ תמוז (June 28).

The goal of the award is to celebrate every teacher in the process.

If you or your child has been uplifted by a teacher who cared about you, or if you know a teacher who is devoted heart and soul to his or her students, don’t miss the chance to say thank you. Nominations are due on 9 Iyar (May 5th), so visit www.mymef.org/thankyou to nominate a teacher today!