The Saul Mirowitz Day School

Mission

Guiding Principles

Facts & Figures

Board of Directors

Faculty, Staff, and Admin

School History

Each member of our distinguished RJA-SMDS faculty knows that the job responsibilities far exceed the job description. After all, we have the sacred task of nurturing young souls and inspiring young minds.

• We provide the tools for self-confidence and the inspiration for a lifetime of learning.
• We help each child to reach his or her potential, to fearlessly quest for knowledge and understanding.
• We are creative and experienced and passionate. And in our hands we hold a life — the ultimate responsibility.

Attracting and retaining the best teachers is among my highest priorities. To do so, SMDS-RJA offers highly competitive salaries and excellent benefits. Our faculty members are hired based upon their professional credentials, their commitment to Jewish life, and their desire to foster a warm, nurturing environment that invites students to ask questions, to take risks, to explore and to discover.

	Cheryl Maayan Head of School B.A. Washington University M.A. Jewish Education, Hebrew Union College C.F.E. Boston Hebrew College Recipient of Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education Recipient of Stuart I. Raskas Outstanding Day School Teacher Award “Working at SMDS-RJA allows me to do all the things I feel strongly about: create genuine caring community, generate significant learning, facilitate spiritual and academic growth, and play with kids all day. My favorite children's book changes often. This year it is The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. My favorite holiday is Shabbat, where I can regroup every week and spend time with my wonderful family.”
	Carol Rubin Director of Jewish Life B.F.A. University of Wisconsin B.A. Education, University of Wisconsin M.S.W. Washington University Faculty member: Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute camp
	Sarah Bliss Principal BA Illinois State University ME Lindenwood University MA, Dr. candidate, Maryville University “One of the biggest reasons I love working at SMDS-RJA is because of the sense of community. It is an honor to be a part of such a wonderful learning community.” "My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. My entire family is together every year. "
	Carol Erbar Administrative Assistant
	Sue Matlof Administrative Assistant, Development
	Beth Manlin Director of Development
	Patty Bloom Director of Admissions/Marketing
	Jennifer Hartranft Kindergarten Teacher B.S. in Elementary Education from University of South Florida Early Childhood Certification from Nova University “I am a constructivist teacher and SMDS-RJA is a place where I can teach children using this philosophy. This school is a spiritual place where children can feel and interpret prayer in their own individual way. I love Shabbat because you get to celebrate it every week. It’s always nice to have something to look forward to at the end of a busy week. At school it is a joyous and special time.”
	Becky Lerner Hebrew Coordinator, Hebrew Teacher 5th Grades B.S., B.A. Indiana University MA, Washington University in St. Louis “I believe that Israel and the Hebrew language are what tie the Jewish people together. I love being able to share my love and knowledge of them with the school community.” I love TuBishvat because of the great fruit and nuts we get to eat, and the beautiful almond trees in Israel.
	Yifat Waizman Shefts Hebrew Teacher, 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Special Education teacher, Beit Berel College Social Work, Haifa University “It’s the most creative place I have ever been in. It’s my ‘Israel’ in the USA. It’s like my elementary school when I as a kid.” Favorite holiday Purim (also my birthday and it’s a happy holiday) Book “Siblings without rivalry” Food eggplant salad Leader Yosef Trumpeldon
	Leiba Levine First grade teacher University of Iowa, and many post degree classes for certifications S.P.I.R.E. training, MySci training, Investigations training “I love to teach in an environment where I can utilize curriculum in both Judaic and secular studies. SMDS-RJA has given me the opportunity to grow in so many areas as an educator, as I live daily in such a creative and loving environment.”I love Sukkot and building my family Sukkot. I love many books from children’s literature to Adult readers. I love completing art projects and collecting whimsical art.
	Andrea Newstead Second grade teacher University of Illinois, B.S. in Elementary Education with concentration in Mathematics Northeastern Illinois University, M.A. in Reading-Reading specialist “I enjoy teaching at SMDS-RJA because I am able to integrate Judaic into our daily curriculum. It is an enriching and rewarding environment for my students and for me!” I am a native St. Louisan and grew up at Congregation Shaare Emeth from preschool through confirmation. In my free time I enjoy volunteering, playing tennis, traveling and spending time with friends and family
	Jackie Nygate Hebrew Teacher, 1st and 3rd Grade Teaching Certificate, Special Education, Levinsky College, Israel M.A. English language teaching, Thames Valley University, London, England “A very warm and caring atmosphere. Great staff!” Favorite holiday is Chanukah
	Paula Hertel Fourth Grade Teacher B.S. in Education, University of Cincinnati (Ohio) MA in Elementary Education, Remedial Reading, Learning Disabilities; Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana Masters plus 50 hours; Maryville University and University of Missouri-St. Louis Certification: Elementary Education, Missouri Life Certificate; Remedial Reading; Learning Disabilities Over 30 years in elementary education, grades K-5 “Teaching here allows me to weave Jewish values and history into the secular studies I have taught for many years. I feel fortunate to work with such committed educators in the pioneering of a Reform Jewish day school. I love Hanukkah and Passover with my family, love traveling, as well. Really enjoyed the book “Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven” by Fannie Flagg. I also love mysteries.”
	Debra Barham Fifth Grade B.S. in Elementary Education, Southeast Missouri State University, 1993 Certified in Elementary Education, Grades 1-8 Graduate Certificate in Science Education, Washington University, 2006 “There is such a high level of expectation and learning combined with a caring of each child an individual that makes this the type of school where I always wanted to teach.”
	Marilyn Brickson Physical Education Teacher BS Physical Education and Health, University of Illinois “I began 8 years ago to help Marsha and get back into teaching older children again. I’m always happy to see children develop and grow so I stayed!” Favorite holiday (enjoyment) Passover; Favorite holiday (spiritual) Yom Kippur Favorite Book: I reread “To Kill a Mockingbird” every few years
	Miriam Baskies Technology Specialist
	Ilene Berman Artist in Residence B.S. from Connecticut College Currently enrolled as MFA Candidate at SIUE “I appreciate the ability to design multi-setup, long term art projects for the students and the school’s commitment to the importance of process. And, I love the openness and curiosity of the kids! My favorite holiday is Sukkot: I love the Fall and being outdoors and feeling connected to the season. My favorite book is Beloved by Toni Morrison. It is so beautiful and difficult, it made me cry."
	Faye Siegel Band Director BS, University of Kansas, Instrumental Music Education and Clarinet Performance; also Director of Instrumental Music at Forsyth School, The Wilson School and The New City School. Owns CFS Music Studio where she teaches all performance levels-children through adult. “I love the challenge of creating and educational programs from the foundation. When The Saul Mirowitz Day School was founded, I saw an opportunity to combine my commitment to Judaism and interest in teaching in the Jewish educational community. “ Favorite holiday: Passover & Thanksgiving. It is the time when everyone in my immediate and extended family comes together to celebrate. It’s all about the food!”
	Devon Beidler Learning Teacher B.A. Philosophy, Bucknell University MA Special Education, University of Connecticut “I enjoy working with classroom teachers to find ways to meet individual student needs and optimize learning opportunities. It is very rewarding to work with teachers who are truly devoted to the academic and spiritual growth and happiness of their students.”
	Sara Dahms Third Grade
	Val Toskin Third Grade
	Betti Blumoff Music Teacher
	Marsha Cobb Librarian
	Peter Walker School Counselor BA, Washington University in St. Louis, MSW George Warren Brown School of Social Work; Washington University in St. Louis, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri ”The school has a professional, caring, and committed staff that delivers a high quality education to every student. The community supports each other, builds on student strengths and continually focuses on the vision of what each child can become in the future.” Favorite holiday Passover sitting around with family and friends at the Seder is very meaningful and I connect personally with the move from slavery to the blessings we share today. I love baseball and swimming and appreciate the benefit of regular exercise. My family is the heart of my life and I take time to nurture them just as I feel nurtured by them daily.”