Meet Kindergarten Teacher Seli Allen

Q: Why did you choose to work at Pardes Jewish Day School?

A: Pardes has been an amazing community for my children and our family the last three years. As an educator, I love the philosophy of Pardes. Therefore, I am extremely happy and excited to be teaching at Pardes!

Q: What motivated you to become a teacher or to work in education?

A: Becoming an educator was my childhood dream. When I was 10 years old, I was already making plans for the school I would teach at, including choosing its name and planning the details of the school.

Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching or working in education?

A: Seeing the “aha” moments of young minds, scaffolding each child with their individual learning and watching them grow.

Q: What is the most important life lesson you want your students to learn in your class(es)?

A: One of my goals for my students is to be kind to themselves, to each other and to the environment!

Q: How do you keep current with the subject areas you cover?

A: I have been getting lots of training which I enjoy. Additionally, I have been reading a lot!

Q: What was your favorite book as a child?

A: I remember enjoying La Fountain’s Fables a lot. However, if I was a child now, probably Mo Willems would be my favorite author and illustrator. I very much enjoy reading his books and showing the creative and fun ways of thinking to my students.

Q: What is your favorite book as an adult?

A: Between parenting and teaching books, I always have The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar, Everyday Holiness by Alan Morinis on my nightstand.

Q: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

A: I very much enjoy family time; playing board games, hiking, biking, camping and traveling.

Q: What are you most looking forward to this school year?

A: Watching my students thrive each and every day! That is the best part of teaching!