October 24, 2007

Four Los Angeles-Area Teachers Surprised with $15,000 Jewish Educator Awards

Milken Family Foundation presents four Jewish educators with prestigious—and unexpected—honor

Four outstanding teachers were named recipients of $15,000 unrestricted financial awards—the Milken Family Foundation Jewish Educator Awards—at surprise assemblies on Wednesday, October 24. Presenting the Awards was Milken Family Foundation Executive Vice President Richard Sandler.

"These educators not only help young people achieve their academic potential, they also inspire students to embrace their Jewish heritage and the values it espouses," said Sandler.

"As we celebrate the 'Chai' year of our awards—with the number 18 representing the Hebrew word for life—we take special pride in honoring a profession that holds such a critical sway in the lives of the next generation."

The Jewish Educator Awards were established 18 years ago in cooperation with the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles as an adjunct to the Foundation's National Educator Awards program.

Each year the Jewish Educator Awards give public recognition and financial awards to teachers, administrators and other education professionals who have made significant contributions to excellence in education in day schools affiliated with the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles.

• Mona Riss
  First-Grade Teacher, Judaic Studies
  Emek Hebrew Academy, Sherman Oaks

• Alan Rosen
  Physical Education Teacher, Grades K-8
  Maimonides Academy, Los Angeles

• Bilha Schechter
  Third- and Fourth-Grade Teacher, Jewish Studies
  Valley Beth Shalom, Encino

• Lee Tenerowicz
  Sixth-Grade Teacher, General Studies
  Brawerman Elementary School of Wilshire Blvd. Temple, Los Angeles