Yael Zelinger, Day School Liaison at JES and one of the event’s organizers, emphasized the power of peer-to-peer coaching in professional development. "What energy! What a celebration! Our presenters truly rocked the house with their engaging and well-planned sessions," she expressed. "At JES, we are dedicated to elevating teachers while showing our appreciation. “Our goal is for educators to feel seen, valued, and supported for their incredible work, and the Expo exemplifies this by bringing them together to learn, connect, and grow.”

The Expo was designed to offer classroom teachers the opportunity to present their innovative teaching strategies, learn from colleagues, and access free classroom materials. The event featured numerous giveaways and raffles, including generously- sponsored door prizes by Fun and Function, Wolf Cuts, and Gifts by Gilda.

The Expo gathered nearly 75 educators, featuring 30 presenters and educational vendors from 10 Baltimore schools. Under the theme “Connect, Learn, and Inspire,” attendees explored exhibits, joined discussions, and shared ideas to enhance teaching. Topics included Differentiated Chumash Curriculum, Game-Based Assessment, Art for Reading Comprehension, and Positive Classroom Management. Beyond learning new techniques, participants enjoyed networking and connecting with fellow educators.

Attendee feedback underscored the Expo’s impact. Jodi Wahlberg, a JES Board Member and Director of the MS Academic Support Program at Krieger Schechter Day School, shared her enthusiasm: “What a wonderful expo for educators today! I really enjoyed learning from such passionate educators in our community. Teaching can be very isolating, and it’s so important to share ideas to refresh our repertoire and broaden our approaches! Presenters seemed empowered, and participants listened attentively. Kol Hakavod to your team for putting together this wonderful event!”

Chaya Tropper, Professional Development Specialist at JES, echoed this sentiment: “I think this is a wonderful venue to bring more conversation, skills, and collaboration to Baltimore. It also gives teachers a valuable opportunity to be recognized and celebrated.”

For Zahava Kimelfeld, a special educator at Talmudical Academy and a returning presenter, the Expo was a chance to blend creativity with professional growth. “The Educator Expo offers me a creative outlet to craft a proposal and design a display to showcase my work with my students. This year, I even involved my students in the process. They eagerly performed a reader’s theater play I wrote, completing its lesson, designing scenery, selecting costumes, and presenting their work on a trifold and cheered me on as the Expo approached. Additionally, the Expo is an exciting opportunity to connect with other teachers from different backgrounds and learn from their experiences.”

The event welcomed a diverse group of educators, including Rabbeim, teachers, and homeschooling parents, all eager to explore innovative educational approaches. JES is honored to enable the showcasing of the remarkable talent and dedication within Baltimore’s Jewish educational community, highlighting the collective passion for providing engaging, high-quality education to students.

With its growing success, the JES Educator Expo continues to serve as a vital hub for professional development, reinforcing the value of collaboration in strengthening Jewish education in Baltimore.  Be on the lookout for our next Expo and consider joining us as an attendee or even as a presenter to share your insights and expertise!