SAN DIEGO — Jennifer Meltzer, Program Coordinator for the Lawrence Family JCC’s Neirman Preschool, has just been awarded a Sheva Leadership Institute Fellowship. Meltzer will join a cohort of 31 fellows from Early Childhood Education programs at JCCs throughout North America. This important honor for outstanding educators involves a three-year commitment, during which there will be two week-long retreats per year; two overseas trips, one to Israel, one to Reggio Emilia, Italy; and monthly virtual learning seminars.
Fellows will focus on exemplary education practices in all aspects of their teaching and administration. A personal mentor will work with each fellow and with the nominating JCC. The program requires the fellow’s JCC to create a supportive team to include The JCC Director, the Director of the Preschool, the fellow, a JCC professional who works with the school, and faculty and parent representatives.
Jennifer Meltzer is highly qualified for this fellowship. She received her Bachelors Degree in Human DevelopMent from UCDavis, and two Masters Degrees, one in Social Work from USC and one In Jewish Communal Service from the Hebrew Union College. After giving birth to four children, ages 9-16, she returned to the work force, responding to the former Preschool Director Alma Hadash Geiger’s invitation to become the Program Coordinator for the JCC’s Neirman Preschool. Meltzer, wife of Rabbi Scott Meltzer, spiritual leader of Congregation Ohr Shalom, has taught classes to families at Ohr Shalom.
At the JCC, she has taught Tot N Company and Wee Play, given classes at Yom Limmud and Tapestry and, for the past three years, taught the Melton Adult Learning’s Foundations of Jewish Family Living course.
Meltzer said she is excited to be connecting with colleagues from JCC across North America. “I am so honored to have been selected as part of this incredible group and am thrilled to begin the journey.” — Eileen Wingard