Long before Robert Fulghum wrote his best seller All I Ever Needed to Know, there was Torah. Before he wrote “All I ever needed to know about how to live, what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten,” G-d was there to teach us about sharing, caring, and being responsible.
Among the many things Fulghum said he learned in kindergarten were to share, play fair, return things to their rightful place, rest, look around in awe, that death is a part of life, and when you go out in the world “hold hands” and find strength in your community.
Iris Koller is the Executive Director of the Friedman Commission for Jewish Education of the Palm Beaches.Immediately prior to coming to Friedman CJE, Iris was national Director of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s PJ Goes to School pilot project, a professional development program for preschools in PJ Library communities.
Prior to her position with the Grinspoon Foundation, Iris served as a synagogue educator in Syracuse NY, the Central New York PJ Library Program Coordinator and as a national consultant for PJ Library.
Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, a master’s degree in Special Education and Reading, and Advanced Certification in School Leadership and Administration. Her experience as a secular educator and educational leader in congregational and community settings spans over 20 years. She is also a lay leader in Jewish organizations on the local and national levels. Iris served as the President of CAJE – the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, which was the largest member organization for Jewish educators in the country.
Prior to her position with the Grinspoon Foundation, Iris served as a synagogue educator in Syracuse NY, the Central New York PJ Library Program Coordinator and as a national consultant for PJ Library.
Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, a master’s degree in Special Education and Reading, and Advanced Certification in School Leadership and Administration. Her experience as a secular educator and educational leader in congregational and community settings spans over 20 years. She is also a lay leader in Jewish organizations on the local and national levels. Iris served as the President of CAJE – the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, which was the largest member organization for Jewish educators in the country.
Latest posts by Iris Koller (see all)
- May My (and Your) Yom Kippur Be Filled Meaning - October 3, 2014
- We All Are Standing Here.. Now What Will You Do? - September 19, 2014
- ‘Tis the Season of Transitions - September 12, 2014