Candidate for
Board Member; Castro Valley Unified School District

My commitment to education began as student at Northwestern University. I responded to a notice requesting College volunteers to work as mentors and tutors with underachieving youth in the Evanston Public Schools. The students we worked with had no interest in academics. They had never read a book for pleasure and the subjects they were studying in school seemed unimportant and irrelevant to their lives. While some of my colleges felt discouraged, I took it as a challenge, looking for stories, games, and any material that could spark their interest. I discovered my ability to teach and inspire students and began spending more hours as a classroom volunteer, switching my major form economics to elementary education. I continued my studies to complete a Masters degree in Jewish Education with concentrations in Curriculum development and Administration, and a MA in Hebraic studies which included a Secondary teaching credential in Hebrew Language.

I have continued to dedicate my time to education both as a professional and as a volunteer for over thirty years. This includes teaching first grade students in Evanston Il., Adults at Truman College, and Parent education classes in Los Gatos. I am currently the principal of a Religious School in Pleasanton.

I bring expertise from my work in the community as well. Through my work with the Sierra Club on Measure D, input into the Castro Valley general plan, work on the Alameda county livability initiative, and on the HARD Citizen's Advisory Committee I have gained knowledge in public policy and community advocacy. Education, however, is my passion. I have been active volunteer in my children's classrooms, served on PTA committees and the High School PTSA board. In each position I feel I have had a strong positive impact. My goal is to help create a school board that works in partnership with teachers, parents, and community members, listening and addressing their concerns.