by Jill Huber
NJJN Bureau Chief/Monmouth

January 20, 2009

When the new semester began at the religious school of Monmouth Reform Temple in Tinton Falls on Jan. 18, teachers once again enjoyed the help of six teenage classroom aides.

The high school juniors and seniors are volunteers who work in the classrooms of students in kindergarten through third grade. They perform dramatic presentations of stories that relate to the holidays, help with Hebrew-language tutoring, teach at least one solo class each semester, and assist with special school programs and administrative tasks.

In addition to performing classroom activities — there are between 12 and 15 students in each class — the young volunteers also work with some of the students in a one-to-one format and provide individual student tutorials on an as-needed basis.

“Their contribution to the religious-school program has been invaluable,” said Rabbi Jonathan Roos, the temple’s religious leader. “Many of these students are high school seniors who completed our confirmation class and wanted to stay involved and keep coming to the temple on Sundays. Their commitment, humor, and hard work are a boost to our program.”

The teachers’ aide program, which takes place during each of the school’s two 15-week semesters, began under the direction of David Levinsky, the temple’s former religious-school principal, who retired several years ago. Judy Levine, who succeeded Levinsky, continued the program.

“These aides are the best examples to our younger children,” said Levine, a Maplewood resident. “They are great role models who are making a positive impression and showing a real sense of commitment. Classroom teachers and younger children enjoy working with the older students and the whole process enlivens the school experience.”

The teen aides undergo a thorough orientation process before they start their classroom activities. Prior to each semester, the teen volunteers must attend five sessions conducted by Levine that focus on effective teaching skills. They also are required to develop advance lesson plans that are reviewed and approved by the principal.

After the start of the semester, Levine regularly meets with the aides to discuss classroom activity and the interaction between the teens, students, and teachers.

‘Valuable exchange’

“These discussions are a great way to evaluate the program as it’s taking place,” said Levine. “There’s also a valuable exchange of information, and we all learn the importance of communication and commitment.”

This semester’s teachers aides are Daniel Egan of Highlands, Aaren Beaty of Colts Neck, Jason McMullen of Holmdel, Carly Cole of Middletown, Sarah Cobuzzi of Tinton Falls, and Samantha Cohen of Little Silver.

“It’s fun to work with the young kids every week, and I know we’re helpful to the teachers,” said Cohen, 17, who just began her second year with the program and is teaching the alef-bet to second-grade students.

“I think the kids can relate to me — I’m the same age as many of their brothers and sisters,” she said. “They’ve also seen me around the temple for a long time, and now that I’m in their classrooms, there’s a sense of continuity.”

The program also provides an important element of continuity for the volunteers, Levine said.

“It’s an important link through which the teens can remain connected to the temple community and the larger Jewish community,” she said. “It encourages them to stay engaged in temple life and promotes the Jewish beliefs in education, volunteerism, helping others, and being productive.”

Interest in the aide program continues to grow, said Roos.

“We’re always looking for more high school students to help teach in our school,” said Roos. “They inspire their students and grow stronger in their own connections to Judaism. Every year, I’m sad to see the seniors graduate, but equally pleased to see those who rise to take their place.”

Additional information about the teachers’ aide program is available from Levine at 732-747-9365.

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