Recipient: Esther Etigson

Number of years teaching: 25

School: Associated Hebrew Schools

Grades: middle school

Subject: Hebrew subjects—Bible, laws and customs, Hebrew language

Family: Married with 1 son who is a Rabbi in Israel

Inspiration/Motivation for being a Teacher of Excellence:

Esther loves the special contact she has with children of all different personalities.  Her students motivate her and make her feel wonderful.  She takes time to get to know them as individuals and as the moving nomination from her student shows, her caring goes far beyond the classroom:

Elizabeth Udler wrote: When I first came to Associated Hebrew schools last year, when me and my family came to Canada from Israel, I recall being scared and nervous but Mrs. Etigson assured me she would help me with everything.  She has been more that a nice teacher, she was and still is a good hearted, smart, intelligent human being.  The perfect example is that she invited me and my parents over for passover since she knew we did not have any family or friends in Toronto.  … I know for a fact that all my peers adore her and all do well in her class.