Interview with Morah Tziri
1. Tell us about yourself
Hi, my name is Tziri (pronounced almost like Siri). To all my students and their families, though, I’m Morah Tziri. I grew up in Monsey, NY and moved to Baltimore after Meir and I got married in 2013. We have 4 adorable children ka”h. I taught Kindergarten for 10 years, and every alumnus of my class has since become an extension of my family.
2. What made you decide to go into teaching and now directing a school?
Back in high school, I worked for a camp director who was an incredible role model; a power-house rebbetzin and a Kindergarten teacher. I knew that when I grew up, I was going to be like her. The love I have for teaching has grown over the years, and I’m enthusiastic about inspiring more teachers to feel the same way through my new role.
3. Can you describe your educational approach?
My approach to learning for all ages is EXPERIENTIAL. Children learn best when they are PART of the learning process (and so do adults!). Children need to feel like they are a valuable asset to the class and school is their home for the (many) hours they are there. Music and movement throughout the day and outlets for creativity and imagination are essential for so many preschoolers.
4. What is your vision for the Montessori school?
I would love to infuse Montessori with a cohesive warmth and trademark love of Judaism and life. These features are already there and my goal is to build on the decades of the school’s success. Our goal is for the students to come out well-rounded in education, confident to take on years of further learning, and each achieving tailor-made goals.
5. Are there any spots for students at the school for the upcoming year?
Registration is full! You can register for enrollment in December for the year 2023-2024.
6. Rumor has it that you have a closet full of costumes. Is that true?
Tell us more. Adult costumes or childrens costumes? I like to dress up to make learning more exciting for the children. Until the day my kids get embarrassed, that is. In terms of the kids, I am really a costume junkie. I specifically scout out costumes which remind me of events from the Tanach. I learned from a very special mentor how to make the weekly Parsha come alive with “Parsha Drama,” a true Kindergarten highlight. I have a ton of props and educational toys to reinforce learning, which I use for dramatic play and block centers. These kinds of centers rotate through the seasons and themes of learning.
7. What’s one piece of advice you can share with parents of preschool-aged children?
There is no one approach to teaching and raising children. We, as parents and educators, have a lot to learn from THEM. Explore their interests and create outlets for their talents. A challenging child is not a bad child; they are just screaming for your attention and love.
8. Can you share your greatest source of pride as a teacher?
Honestly, as cliche as it sounds, watching the children grow up, as their character develops (and they get more mature than me!), is something I can’t put words to. I had a mailbox in my classroom for students from prior years to communicate with me, and for so many children, this got them through the day as they struggled in other areas of schoolwork and life.
9. What would it be like working for you as a teacher?
As the school year has not yet begun, I can only hope that it will be fun, experiential, eye-opening, and fulfilling. To be a superstar teacher in today’s day and age is an unbelievable responsibility and privilege. I know that teachers can never get enough appreciation and encouragement, but I will do my best! If you are giving, warm, and have a knack for kids, please apply to join our outstanding team of teachers! Email us today at montessori@nertamid.net. Thank you for this interview! And may Hashem give us all the koach to raise many generations of Jewish children in our community and beyond.