Fades to blue with Brandeis logo in white on top, and white text reads: “Brandeis University”
Title: “Education Program - Celebrating the Class of 2021” (“Think Forward”piano music is played in the background).
Transitions to the following slides:
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Brandeis University Education Program Degree Ceremony
Sunday, May 23, 2021 at 2 p.m
Welcome and Introduction of Education Program Faculty
Leah Gordon
Harry S. Levitan Director of Education and Associate Professor of Education
Introduction of Teacher Leadership Program Faculty & Coaches
Marya R. Levenson
Harry S. Levitan Director Emerita of Teacher Education and Professor of the Practice Emerita of Education”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Tributes to the Brandeis Education Program Class of 2021
by Education and Teacher Leadership Program Faculty & Coaches
EdM Graduates of the Teacher Leadership Program and
Undergraduate BA/BS degree recipients
will be recognized in alphabetical order”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Education Program Prizes
Theodore R. and Nancy F. Sizer Endowed Prize in Education Studies
Presented to Sophie Brill Weitz and
Irma Janeth Zamarripa González
Diane A. Rottenberg Davis Memorial Endowment Fund Prize.
Awarded to a talented student in the Education Program.
Presented to Lily Elaine Horowitch
Marcia Bloch Epstein '55 Prize
for Demonstrated Commitment to Social Justice through Teaching
Presented to Darcy Howell”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Closing Remarks
Sharon Feiman Nemser
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Professor Emerita of Jewish Education
Recessional
Adjourn to Meet & Greet Breakout Rooms
Teacher Leadership Faculty & Graduates (1)
Education Program Faculty & Graduates (2)”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Special Thanks
The faculty, staff, mentor teachers, field instructors, and others who have worked together to provide learning experiences for the Brandeis students who care about children, inquiry-based learning, schools, and social justice.
The faculty, staff, coaches and others who have worked together to provide learning and leadership opportunities for the EdM students as they honed their skills and gained confidence as leaders for instructional equity and excellence in their schools. The children who have been our partners in teaching and learning together. The families and friends who have supported the Brandeis students being recognized today.”
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Special Thanks
Jerome Epstein and family who have chosen to celebrate Marcia Bloch Epstein’s
passion for education by creating the Marcia Bloch Epstein ‘55 Endowed Prize in Education.
The late Dr. Joseph J. Levitan for his support of the Education Program.
Legacy Heritage Fund for its generosity in supporting the Legacy Heritage Master’s Scholars.
Media Technology Services:
Matthew Burton, Dan Jennings, Mennen Gordon”
Fades to blue with Brandeis logo in white on top, and white text reads: “Brandeis University”
Title: “Education Program - Celebrating the Class of 2021”
Transitions to Professor Gordon in front of a bookshelf wearing a doctoral robe.
Gordon:
“Good afternoon. I'm Leah Gordon, Harry S. Levitan Director of Education and Associate Professor of Education. Welcome graduates. Welcome family and friends. Welcome faculty. Congratulations.
I hope you will all acknowledge the great accomplishment it is that our students have reached this day. Graduates, I want to congratulate all of you for your diligence, your adaptability in the face of this year's trying circumstances. The insights you showed in your classes and your commitment to education. I want to congratulate all the family and friends who helped you achieve this crucial milestone.
The work you've done in your time at Brandeis sits squarely with what the institution stands for. Brandeis prides itself on many core values, but the pursuit of justice and the fostering of community are among the two most important. I believe, schools are institutions that for all their imperfections, are particularly well-suited to promoting these ideals, justice and community.
Whatever you are planning to do after graduation, whether it be returning to or newly entering a classroom, taking on a new leadership role in a school, moving into a graduate program, going into the nonprofit world or anything else, I applaud you for committing your time and energy to understanding how our educational systems can serve as tools for fostering a more fair, kind, equitable, inclusive, connected, and just society.
Graduations are often a time for imagining how a new-generation can work to make the world a better place for thinking about where we have been and where we're going in the future. In our current climate of crisis and hope, this graduation feels like a moment of greater uncertainty than is typical when we're taking stock of where we want to be going.
I talked about uncertainty last year at graduation as protests over the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor were erupting. Many of us were struggling to make sense of the pandemic that transformed our daily lives. Now, after 15 months of inspiring protests of emerging efforts and support of racial justice, but also devastating pandemic-related losses and a sense of ongoing insecurity, I would like to believe we're on a precipice, real hope for change and a return to some sort of normalcy is possible.
But there's a long road ahead. For too many of us, the pre-pandemic normal was itself a situation of inequity and injustice. I also hope we are in a moment of rethinking and re-evaluation where we are considering very carefully what the normal return to post-pandemic should look like. Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Junior famously said In 1968, another moment of national crisis and hope that the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.
This optimism about an inevitable march towards progress despite the injustices so prevalent around us is among the most hopeful in our American political tradition. And one Professor Bryan Stevenson discussed so beautifully this morning.
It requires that we learn enough about the nature of our social, economic, and political order, about what injustice, inequity and oppression look like and how they function to develop our own visions of what justice and equity might entail. It requires that if our notions of justice or equity stand in conflict with another person's, we can use our democratic process to work towards a public good that works for everyone. I hope these are lessons that you've learned, Class of 2021, in your time at Brandeis.
Today's education program graduation is different than it has been in the past since we're celebrating both undergraduate education program majors and minors and graduates of our teacher leadership graduate program. Marya Levenson will tell you about our teacher leadership program shortly. Let me just tell you a bit about our undergraduate program, which has both tracks in teacher education and education studies.
Some of our students will go on to be classroom teachers and have received teacher certification during their time at Brandeis. Others have taken a liberal arts approach to the study of education. Both groups have engaged foundational questions that have long occupied scholars of education across a range of disciplines.
How and why have ideas about the purposes of education evolved over time? Which educational objectives have made their way into policy and practice and why? What do researchers know about teaching, learning and the way schools and social contexts shape these processes? How have schooling and education served as sites of oppression, tools for liberation in the bases of individual and collective identities? How have educational institutions interacted with other social institutions, including the state, labor markets, housing markets, immigration policies, and the criminal justice system?
While students have not always found clear answers to these questions, I hope they have come away from our program with a commitment towards working for educational justice and with a respect for the complexity of that task. It's now my privilege to introduce our wonderful faculty in the undergraduate education program, those who were present here today. Professor Levenson will shortly introduce our teacher leadership faculty in a few moments.
Marcie Abramson, lecturer in education and mathematics. Howard Baker, Executive Director of the Lemberg Children's Center. Ziva Hassenfeld. Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel, Assistant Professor of Jewish Education. Danielle Igra, Assistant Professor of Education and Director of Teacher Education. Joseph Reimer, Associate Professor of Jewish Education in the Education Program and the Hornstein Program for Jewish Professional Leadership. Rachel Kramer Theodorou, senior lecturer in education and elementary faculty leader. Marya Levenson, Harry S. Levitan, Director Emerita of Teacher Education and Professor of the Practice Emerita of Education.”
Transitions to a side-by-side video gallery with all the above people. Professor Abramson is in front of a clock and waves at the camera. Professor Hassenfeld is in front of a blue wall and waves at the camera. Professor Igra is in front of a bookshelf. Professor Reimer is in front of a wooden shelf. Professor Kramer Theodorou waves at the camera in front of a white wall. Professor Levenson is in front of a bookshelf and waves at the camera.
Gordon:
“I also want to take this moment to thank Eileen Kell, Margery Sokoloff and the team at media and technology services and the students who served on a graduation planning committee who have all given a lot of time to make this ceremony possible.”
The people on screen clap.
Gordon:
“Before I turn the microphone over to Professor Levenson, let me just mention a few logistics. First, as you are all doing, feel free to use the chat function throughout the ceremony to provide notes of celebration or congratulations. Second, please remember after the ceremony, we will have a chance to mingle with one another in meet and greet breakout rooms. Students should have received invitations in their calendars and through email to these rooms and we'll post them in the chat later.
I will now turn the virtual microphone over to Professor Levenson, faculty Emerita, the former director for 20 years of the Education Program. One of the founders of the Education Studies Program and the current co-director of the Teacher Leadership Program. Thank you, Marya.”
Transitions to Professor Levenson.
Levenson:
“Thank you Leah for that gracious introduction. On behalf of Sharon Feiman-Nemser and Margery Sokoloff, my co-directors of the Teacher Leadership Program, congratulations to the seniors and teacher leaders we're celebrating today.
Welcome to the students, parents and friends joining us. During this challenging year, we've all had an opportunity to observe the deep educational inequities the pandemic has exposed. Many have also commented on the tasks that schools are expected to perform, such as feeding children and addressing their social emotional needs in addition to providing a safe community for children and adults to ask questions and learn together.
In fact, one of the few positive outcomes of this past year has been parents growing respect for the work of teachers who many have observed working online. Some educators and reformers concerned with addressing these problems have also begun to recognize why it is essential to listen to teachers' voices. But it's not so easy for teachers to speak up when their profession does not differentiate among teachers after their first couple of beginning years.
That is why our Teacher Leadership Program welcomes respected, experienced teachers in public and Jewish day schools who want to address adaptive challenges that are really hard to solve and to gain the skills necessary to work with colleagues to address these challenges. In addition to taking classes focused on instructional issues in the classroom and/or institutional challenges in the schools, each teacher leader has a coach who helps them become more reflective and effective.
I am pleased to introduce the teacher leadership faculty and coaches who are joining us today: Meg Anderson, Barbara Laites Collins, Sharon Feiman-Nemser, Marion Gribetz, Minna Heilpern, Shira Horowitz, Shira Loewenstein, Cindy Shulak-Rome , and Margery Sokoloff.”
Transitions to a side-by-side video gallery with all the above people. Professor Anderson is in front of a couch and waves at the camera. Professor Laites Collins is in front of a bookshelf and waves at the camera. Professor Feiman-Nemser waves at the camera and is wearing a doctoral gown. Professor Heilpern is in front of a painting. Professor Sokoloff is in front of the Brandeis campus Zoom background. Professor Shulak-Rome is in front of a painting. Professor Loewenstein is in front of framed photos. Professor Gribetz is in front of a window. The coaches will speak about each teacher leader today. I would also like to thank our partners in this important work, Legacy Heritage Fund, which has supported teachers in Jewish day schools and the Waltham public schools.
Teacher leaders. We are so proud of you and what you have been able to accomplish, especially during this exhausting year. As Bryan Stevenson said this morning, we are called to resist fear and anger and stay hopeful. Please keep in touch and know that we are here for you when you need us. We look forward to hearing what you will be doing to strengthen teaching and learning among your students and colleagues. We're now going to watch tribute videos of the undergraduates and teacher leaders, which will be in alphabetical order. We will be recognizing those undergraduates who are receiving awards at the end of these tribute videos. Thank you.”
Fades to blue with Brandeis logo in white on top, and white text reads: “Brandeis University”
Title: “Education Program - Celebrating the Class of 2021”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Mor Abramovitz*
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
The Leffell School
White Plains, New York
Coach: Shira Horowitz
*Legacy Heritage Master’s Scholar ”
There is a photo of Mor in front of a white background on the right hand side of the slide.
Sokoloff:
“Mor Abramovitz.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Horowitz next to flowers. Mor’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Mor is in front of a beige couch with children.
Horowitz:
“I still remember the first time I met you walking through the parking lot at Brandeis as you told me about your many passions, and about all the committees you were already involved with at your school. I knew then that you were a powerhouse, but since then I had so many opportunities to watch you take on new challenges, always with a smile and a positive attitude.
I watched you grow into a leader who not only works hard, but works smart, keeping your eye on your vision and on the big picture. Always bringing your colleagues and your students along with you. You're such a caring person, looking out for every new teacher, every one of your students, and even sharing book recommendations with my fourth grader. I know that your school and your colleagues are stronger for having had you as a leader. Now, as you embark on a new adventure, bravely forging a new path, we wish you all the best. Congratulations, Mor.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Lauren Bargmann
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
View Park Preparatory Charter School
Los Angeles, California
Coach: Barbara Laites Collins”
There is a photo of Lauren wearing graduation attire in front of a beach on the right hand side of the slide.
Sokoloff:
“Lauren Bargmann.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Laites Collins in front of a bookshelf. Lauren’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Lauren is wearing graduation attire.
Laites Collins:
“Lauren, during a pandemic and in a school struggling against systemic racial injustice, you've pushed through these last two years. With your inclusive leadership and resourcefulness, you've contributed to an emerging transformation at your school, helping to build a culture of inquiry, trust, and collaboration, which sustains its first-year teachers, and you have prevailed.
This spring, all the first-year teachers with whom you've worked announced they will be returning in the fall. For the first time since you began four years ago, you'll be teaching with the same grade-level colleagues for two consecutive years. Your entire community thanks you. I've loved being your coach and look forward to our continuing collaboration.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Melissa Baron Bernosky
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Beren Academy
Houston, Texas
Coach: Marion Gribetz”
There is a photo of Melissa in front of a dark background on the right hand side of the slide.
Sokoloff:
“Melissa Baron Bernosky. Legacy Heritage Master Scholar.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Gribetz in front of a bookshelf. Melissa’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Melissa is wearing graduation attire.
Gribetz:
“Missy, in thinking about your journey these past two years, I could not help myself from remembering the children's story, The Little Engine That Could. You have persevered through much, especially during this last year plus of the pandemic. With each hurdle, you buckled down and pushed through, even though you might have never said it out loud, I could hear your heart saying, I think I can.
Missy, you pushed through these past two years for yourself, for your sense of professionalism, for doing the right thing for your students, and most importantly for your family and for advancing yourself up and over the mountain. It's been a privilege and a pleasure coaching you, and I look forward to all your future successes. Mazel tov.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Geraldine Bogard
BA
Majors: Education Studies, Theater Arts
Mino: Business
Next year I will be in the Brandeis Master of Arts in Teaching – Elementary Program.”
There is a photo of Geraldine outdoors in front of nature on the right hand side of the slide.
Transitions to Eileen Kell who is in front of a wall.
Kell:
“Geraldine Bogard, Bachelor of Arts.”
This is followed by a video of Professor Hassenfeld in front of a blue wall. Geraldine’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Geraldine is wearing graduation attire.
Hassenfeld:
“Geraldine Bogard, it is hard to think of how to sum up your special energy and brilliance in a single message. I remember meeting you in Ed 165, and looking forward to every single comment that you made. Then the excitement of reconnecting over the summer when you reached out to me in the midst of COVID, when we were all just huddled around our laptops about possibly doing a final paper and how you continue with research. I offered to bring you onto my brand new research lab and you just responded with such openness and excitement. This year together, working together in the lab has been one of the most powerful experiences.
You are brilliant, you are kind, you are smart, you are thoughtful, you are reflective, and you have values that will take you wherever you want to go in life. I will miss you so much and I look forward to hopefully at least having next year together as you embark on the MAT. I'm so proud of you and everything you've accomplished with love”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Bridget Cifuni
Major: Education Studies
Minor: Business
Education Program UDR
Next year I plan to become a full-time elementary teacher and coach softball.”
There is a photo of Bridget wearing a Brandeis Judges softball jersey.
Kell:
“Bridget Cifuni. Bachelor of Arts. Magna Cum Laude”
This is followed by a video of Professor Kramer Theodorou in front of a wall. Bridget’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Bridget is wearing graduation attire and there are people cheering in the background.
Kramer Theodorou:
“Bridget Cifuni. A go getter does not even begin to capture you as a student and athlete and soon to be Massachusetts teacher and MAT graduate. You came into both Ed studies and teacher Ed early way before you even started college, ready to roll up your sleeves and ready to learn. Your successes are numerous and among them, you created accessible movement and fused lessons for your multilingual learners here in Waltham, you spent years of leadership as a UDR for the education program, and you were our first ever Waltham Group Education Program Liaison, connecting resources in teacher ed to Brandeis as many school-based community service clubs. You even found a way to face your own challenges of not feeling like a science person in EBIO , studying how education and citizen science together can make everyone feel strong and competent as science people. Bridget, you are a model of diligence, persistence, and education, and your future students will be inspired by the educator you have come to be. Congratulations.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Jennifer Cook
BA
Major: Education Studies
Minors: Legal Studies, Anthropology
Next year I will probably continue working in my current job appealing wrongful convictions.”
There is a photo of Jennifer at a restaurant.
Kell:
“Jennifer Cook. Bachelor of Arts. Magna Cum Laude”
This is followed by a video of Professor Reimer. Jennifer’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Jennifer is wearing a graduation cap and there are people cheering in the background.
Reimer:
“You've been a lively and thoughtful member of our creativity and caring course. You've sprinkled our conversations with your unique insights and helped us to understand caring, and how that happens within a family context. I'm thinking of how much you contribute to the conversations that you have with friends, peers, and family as you graduate Brandeis. Good luck, Jennifer”
This is followed by interlude slides. “Bossa Antigua” jazz music is playing in the background.
Slide:
A slide with a nature image as background. The dark text on the slide reads:
“Mor Abramovitz
‘To describe teaches me that the subject of my attention always exceeds what I can see. I learn from describing a painting or a rock or a child or a river that the world is always larger than my conceptualization of it. I learn that when I see a lot, I am still seeing only a little and partially. I learn that when others join in, the description is always fuller than what I saw alone.’
-Patricia Carini ”
Slide:
A slide with an image of a child looking at grass with a magnifying glass. The text on the slide reads:
“Lauren Bargmann
‘Leadership and learning and indispensable to each other’
-John F. Kennedy”
Slide:
A slide with two images. On the left hand side there is an image of two people pushing giant puzzle pieces into each other. On the right hand side there is an illustration of gear pieces inside two silhouettes’ heads. The text on the slide reads:
“Being a teacher leader involves...Adopting the Stance of a Co-thinker
‘Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.’
-Helen Keller
‘What do you notice?’ What do you see?’
Missy Baron Bernosky”
Slide:
A slide with four photos. On the upper left hand corner, there is a photo of children holding a sign with the text “Succeed”. On the lower left hand corner, there is a photo of children standing outside in front of a building. On the upper right hand corner, there is a photo of children sitting at a table. On the lower right hand corner, there is a photo of Professor Levenson, Geraldine Bogard, and other people inside a building. The text on the slide reads:
“ETE Camp: Haiti - Summer 2018
Community Learning Center: Honduras Summer 2019
Prof. Marya Levenson -Celebration Fall 2019. Geraldine Bogard ‘21”
Slide:
A slide with two photos. On the left hand side, there is a photo of Sophie Brill Weitz in front of a dark background. On the right hand side, there is a photo of Sophie and others sitting next to a table outside and wearing surgical masks. The text on the slide reads:
“Sophie Brill Weitz
Major: Education Studies
Minors: Social Justice & Social Policy, Journalism, and Creativity, the Arts, & Social Transformation
Huge thank you to all my professors and fellow students!
Next year I’m thrilled to be working as an AmeriCorps Writers' Room K-8 Specialist Fellow at 826 Boston
I love how interdisciplinary the Education Studies major is! I’ve been able to take classes in 5+ departments for this major and enjoyed analyzing and learning about education, teaching, and learning from many different perspectives. My favorite memory is being a UDR and getting to talk with prospective and first-year students and planning events.”
Slide:
A slide with numerous photos. The title of the slide reads “Bridget”. There are 14 photos of children wearing sunglasses and cloth masks. The text reads “Mrs. Rosetti’s Class 2020-2021”. There is a photo of Bridget Cifuni wearing the Brandeis Judges softball jersey. There is a photo of Bridget wearing graduation attire with a Brandeis banner. There is a photo of Bridget next to a Kangaroo. There are several photos of Bridget with Brandeis Swimming & Diving. There is a photo of Bridget in front of a poster presentation.
Slide:
A slide with a colorful background. There is a photo of Jennifer Cook at a restaurant. The text on the slide reads:
“Major: Education Studies
Minors: Legal Studies and Anthropology
Next year I will be continuing my work on a wrongful conviction, which is something my boss and I consider “educating the public” :)
I won’t ever forget all the wonderful connections I made with other students as well as the time I spent with the kids at Lemberg! Thank you to the education department for providing me with professors who care and who taught me life lessons that I will carry with me always, no matter where life takes me. I am speaking in particular about the wonderful experiences I had with Professor Wallace and Professor Reimer!”
Slide interlude ends.
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Jennifer Genova
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Woodbury Middle School
Salem, New Hampshire
Coach: Marya Levenson”
There is a photo of Jennifer wearing a graduation cap.
Sokoloff:
“Jennifer Genova.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Levenson in front of a blue wall. Jennifer’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Jennifer is wearing a graduation cap in front of a window.
Levenson:
“Jennifer, I have had the pleasure of knowing since you entered the MAT program at Brandeis. I have observed you becoming an excellent middle school teacher who understands her students and challenges them to do critical thinking. It also helps that you have a great sense of humor, which middle-school students enjoy.
Now I've had the pleasure of being your coach in the Teacher Leadership Program. I have seen you absorb what you have learned, and as you reported recently, be able to go up on the balcony and make changes on the dance floor as well. You have truly integrated what you have learned in this two-year program. Congratulations for your growth, for your students, and for all that you have accomplished.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Sara Getzoff
BA
Majors: Education Studies, History
Minors: Psychology, Religious Studies
Next year I will be getting my Master’s degree in the initial certification program in Teaching of Social Studies at Teacher’s College, Columbia University”
There is a photo of Sara in front of a Teacher’s College building.
Kell:
“Sara Getzoff, Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Reimer. Sara’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Sara is wearing a graduation cap.
Reimer:
“Sara, you were a spirited member of the psychology of love course. You used that course to study both friendships and long-term loving relationships. You highlighted two arts of close relationship. The art of compromise, and the art of surprise. Sara, may you offer prizes to your friends and loved ones for years to come after you graduate Brandeis. Good luck, Sara.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Zoe Kastenberg Klein
BA
Majors: Education Studies, History
Minor: Economics
I am still deciding what I will do next year.”
Kell:
“Zoe Kastenberg Klein, Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Gordon in front of a door. Zoe’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Zoe is with a child.
Gordon:
“Zoe, your serious approach to your scholarship and your innovation as a thinker consistently improved class discussions in both the purpose and politics of education and the history of higher education this past year. You wrote some exceptional papers that highlighted the analytic and research skills you've honed as a double major in history and education studies. One paper that left a significant impression on me, it was an expository of a health crisis, and some under-resourced Philadelphia Public Schools, where levels of environmental toxins you found were much higher than what's safe and budget constraints left school leaders helpless to fix these conditions. You effectively researched and with an almost journalistic style exposed this heartbreaking situation.
You also made a compelling and thoroughly researched argument about the intersecting factors that generated this crisis and the controversy that produced. To me this paper and the wonderful comments you made in class throughout the semester, exemplified both your talent as a scholar and your commitments to educational justice. Congratulations on your graduation.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Jamie Long
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Waltham High School
Waltham, Massachusetts
Coach: Meg Anderson”
There is a photo of Jamie wearing graduation attire.
Sokoloff:
“Jamie Long, Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Anderson in front of a red wall. Jamies’ Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Jamie is wearing graduation attire.
Anderson:
“Jamie, it has been exciting to watch you learn and grow from a tentative aspiring leader to a strong and confident one. Despite the unique challenges of each of the last two years, you embraced the work of training teachers in project-based learning. This year particularly, you worked school-wide, encouraging teachers to think differently, work across disciplines and take risks with their teaching
You've discovered many things about how schools run, how to find allies, how to plan and replan from the balcony, and always you kept each student in mind creating avenues for success and ways for them to regroup and begin again. Jamie, it's been a great journey together.”
Transitions to a slide interlude. “Bossa Antigua” jazz music is playing in the background.
Slide:
A slide with a drawing of people climbing a mountain. The text on the slide reads:
“Jennifer Genova
The Effective Teacher Leadership Roadmap”
Slide:
A slide with a photo of Sara Getzoff in front of a Teacher’s College building. The text on the slide reads:
“Sara Getzoff
Majors: Education Studies & History
Minors: Psychology & Religious Studies
My favorite Education classes were Psychology of Love and Sociology of Education
Next year I will be getting my master’s degree in the Initial Certification program in Teaching of Social Studies at Teachers College, Columbia University.”
Slide:
A slide with a photo of Lily Horowitch in front of a lake. The text on the slide reads:
“Lily Elaine Horowitch
Major: Education Studies
BA/MAT Program: Public Elementary
Thank you to the Education department and all of my professors for making me excited about teaching and learning. Thank you to my family for all of their love and support.”
Slide:
A slide with several images. There is a photo of someone wearing a cloth mask in a classroom with the text: “Darcy” and a screenshot of a text message that says “You are an alien host!”. There are children's drawings of a tree, a heart, and a unicorn. The text from the slide reads:
“Highlights from student teaching!
Student: “You wanna know something very sad about Harry Potter?”
Other student: “What?”
Student: “In the very last movie he DIES. But then he comes back to life.”
Other student: “Well, cockroaches can live without their heads.”
My mentor teacher: *teaching about how only female bees make honey*
Student: “Give them a break! make the BOYS do it!"
Teacher: "The boys dont know how to do it..."
Student: *hysterical laughter*”
Slide:
A blue slide with a photo of Zoe Klein in front of nature. The text on the slide reads:
“Majors: Education Studies and History
Minors: Economics
I have loved all the classes I’ve taken with the education department. Some of my favorites are Sociology of Education, Education and Social Policy, and Psychology of Love. Thank you to the education studies faculty for all I have learned over the past four years. I am so grateful to have been a part of this community. My professors and peers have sparked my passion to contribute to improving the lives of people through better education. I am excited to begin my career in education policy with Learning First Alliance.”
Slide:
A slide with an illustration of four people digging in the ground to find a box labeled “Student Learning”. The text on the slide reads:
“Jamie Long
Being a teacher leader involves…
Digging deep to uncover and uplift student learning.”
Slide interlude ends.
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Alyse Malc*
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Yavneh Academy
Paramus, New Jersey
Coach: Shira Loewenstein
*Legacy Heritage Master’s Scholar ”
There is a photo of Alyse in front of a whiteboard.
Sokoloff:
“Alyse Malc, Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership, Legacy Heritage Master's Scholar.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Loewenstein in front of a wall. Alyse’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen.
Loewenstein:
“Alyse, when we began working together, I remember you sent me a Google Doc where you and your co-teacher had meticulously planned how two of your units overlapped. You told me from very early on, you wanted to be able to show your students how the units they learn in fifth grade, all connected. Although, at some point in the middle of your project, you got sick of the word "interdisciplinary".
You stuck with the big idea and you pushed not only your co-teacher, but you brought along the entire fifth grade team in a pure place of open dialogue, thoughtful questioning, and examination of big ideas. I know you're leaving your team in a stronger place than when you entered and you too are leaving Yavneh as a stronger leader with more confidence to bring your own ideas to fruition. Alyse, I wish you the best of luck on your new adventures and I can't wait to hear what you dream of next.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Linda Maleh*
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
The Shefa School
New York, New York
Coach: Cindy Shulak-Rome
*Legacy Heritage Master’s Scholar”
There is a photo of Linda in front of a grey background.
Sokoloff:
“Linda Maleh, Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership. Legacy Heritage Master's Scholar.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Shulak-Rome sitting on a sofa. Linda’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Linda waves at the camera.
Shulak-Rome:
“Linda, you entered this teacher leadership program with many strengths as a teacher, as a master and mentor to many in the teaching of math and with some beginning coaching skills. I've watched you embrace new challenges with grace and a can-do attitude that is really impressive. It's been my pleasure and honor to work with you and see you both strengthen the foundation that you came with and branch out with new skills and insights. I know that you'll continue to grow, thrive, and have a meaningful impact on the students and teachers you work with. Mazel Tov.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Ronit Rogov Malinovitz*
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Pressman Academy
Los Angeles, California
Coach: Marion Gribetz
*Legacy Heritage Master's Scholar”
There is a photo of Ronit in front of a wall.
Sokoloff:
“Ronit Rogov Malinovitz. Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership. Legacy Heritage Master's Scholar.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Gribetz. Ronit’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Ronit is wearing graduation attire in front of a window.
Gribetz:
“Ronit, you and your work remind me of the Shvil Yisrael, the Israel National Trail that is much like the Appalachian Trail here in the States. You've been on a trek these past few years. It has not been a walk in the park and there were boulders and flash floods and rainstorms. There were moments of real fear and uncertainty.
But like the Raqefet, the wild flower that blooms along the trail in Israel, you re-emerged with bright colors, ready to play your part in the ecosystem. Through it all, you always had the experience of your students in the forefront. Ali ve-hatzlichi -- May you go from strength to strength. The teachers and students you will work with in the future will be better for working with you. It's been a pleasure. Mazel Tov.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Becky Marcus
BA
Majors: Education Studies, Near East & Judaic Studies
Minor: Hebrew
Next year I am pursuing a joint Masters in Educational Leadership and Jewish Learning from Hebrew Union College.”
There is a photo of Becky in front of an illustration of hearts.
Kell:
“Becky Marcus, Bachelor of Arts, is not with us today. Congratulations, Becky.
Jenevieve McCauley. Bachelor of Arts. Magna Cum Laude.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Jenevieve McCauley
BA
Majors: Education Studies, English
Next year I am attending graduate school at Brandeis for a Master of Arts in Teaching.”
There is a photo of Jenevieve in front of a white background.
Transitions to a video of Professor Gordon.
Gordon:
“Jenevieve, it was a pleasure to get to know you when you took the education studies capstone course: Purpose and Politics of Education, this past fall. Despite the challenges we all faced with the Zoom setting, I was consistently impressed by how carefully thought out and insightful your comments in class were and how you made excellent comments as well on the class discussion board and really excellent responses to your classmates' comments on the class discussion board.
You hold strong opinions and you made us all more critical thinkers by being so well-prepared for class and willing to speak your mind. As an Education and English double major, I suppose it shouldn't be a surprise that you are a very talented writer. You produced some really exceptional essays about the challenges associated with market models in higher education, bad school choice, localism, and desegregation. Congratulations on your graduation. I'm so glad you will be working to make our educational systems more equal.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Lily Morris
BA
Phi Beta Kappa
Majors: Education Studies, Near East & Judaic Studies
Next year I will be serving in the Israeli army.”
There is a photo of Lily outdoors.
Kell:
“Lily Morris. Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Hassenfeld. Lily’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Lily is outside of a house.
Hassenfeld:
“Lily Morris. Wow. What a privilege it was to reconnect with you this semester in Religious Education in America. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed having you in class, the interest that you brought to class and learning from your story. Just yesterday we were on the phone talking about your final paper as I was trying to prepare dinner and cutting brussel sprouts and finding bugs and you were telling me about your Jewish education, your Orthodox upbringing in your home, and we had the whole conversation in the context of situated learning.
I said, ‘Yes, this is everything that I want college education to be.’ Thank you so much for everything that you've taught me, for engaging seriously authentically with your full self in the materials from this course and really for coming along as I challenge you guys to think about and re-evaluate your own educational biography.
I've learned so much from you and from your stories and from your analysis of your own educational trajectory and I am just grateful for that. I hope that you have a wonderful, wonderful next step. And I wish you congratulations on this huge accomplishment of graduating your undergraduate college program. With love.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Rana Morrissey*
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Lander Grinspoon Academy
Northampton, Massachusetts
Coach: Shira Horowitz
*Legacy Heritage Master's Scholar”
There is a photo of Rana in front of a white background.
Sokoloff:
“Rana Morrissey. Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership. Legacy Heritage Master's Scholar.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Horowitz. Rana’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. There are people cheering in the background.
Horowitz:
“Rana, I really think of the work you've done these past two years as planting and tending a garden. After years of teaching at LGA, you looked around at your school and your staff, you saw the potential and you knew what was missing. You soaked up every new tool and seed you could learn, and slowly and gently nurtured and new culture amongst your colleagues. You've planted so many seeds and created a fertile ground for more growth. Now you're starting to see those flowers blooming as your faculty grows into a beautiful interconnected learning and teaching community. LGA is lucky to have you as a teacher leader. Congratulations.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Siobhan O’Donnell
BA
Phi Beta Kappa
Major: Education Studies
Minor: Hispanic Studies
Next year I will be attending the Brandeis
Master of Arts in Teaching Program.”
There is a photo of Siobhan outdoors in front of nature.
Kell:
“Siobhan O'Donnell. Bachelor of Arts. Magna Cum Laude.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Kramer Theodorou. Siobhan’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Siobhan is wearing a graduation cap.
Kramer Theodorou:
“Siobhan O'Donnell. I remember, Siobhan, early in your time at Brandeis being a bit unsure that education and teaching was for you. But after taking Professor Aja Jackson's Intro to Elementary Ed class, you were all in for both Ed Studies and teacher Ed. You are a model of how these wings of our education program intersect with your pursuit for learning both the why's and the how's of an inclusive education for all. You demonstrated this this semester in your online internship you completed in Chelsea, Massachusetts at a dual language elementary school. Our regular meetings included just conversations about what and how to teach.
But inevitably and purposely, we discussed how raciolinguistics, cultural capital, linguistic hierarchies and other content learned through Ed Studies and teaching courses manifested themselves in your daily second grade reading group lessons. I'm proud to share that you may be presenting this work at our local TESOL Chapter Conference later this spring. Further, I'm so excited to keep you for one more year, Siobhan, as a Master of Arts and teaching student. But for now, congratulations on your graduation day.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Laura Pasek*
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Coach: Shira Horowitz
*Legacy Heritage Master's Scholar.”
Sokoloff:
“Laura Pasek. Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership. Legacy Heritage Master's Scholar.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Horowitz. Laura’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Laura is wearing a graduation cap and there are people cheering in the background.
Horowitz:
“Laura, once you set a goal for yourself, you never give up. You started your teacher leadership work in Ann Arbor a few years ago long before any of us were thinking about pandemics. You were committed to inclusion in your classroom and in your school, and to helping your colleagues at HDS to develop their skills and repertoire in a collaborative way.
When the opportunity to take a sabbatical with your family came up, you took a leave and never could have imagined the challenges that 2020 would bring. But you were determined, you came back, you committed yourself whole-heartedly to strengthening social emotional learning in your school, and you finished the Masters. Your school and the field are lucky to have you back. Congratulations.”
Transitions to a slide interlude. “Bossa Antigua” jazz music is playing in the background.
Slide:
A slide with several images and the title: “Alyse Malc”. There is a photo of a road on a hill in between trees. There is an illustration of two light bulbs touching and the point where they touch is labeled: “Best Idea”. There is a photo of cliffs near the ocean with the caption: “‘Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence, and inspiration’-Robin S. Sharma”. There is a photo of a beach sunset with the caption: “‘We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.’ - John Dewey”. There is a diagram about the cycle of inquiry.
Slide:
A slide with an illustration of a rainbow swirl surrounded by teaching techniques and diagrams. The title of the slide is: “Linda Maleh”.
Slide:
A slide with an illustration of a menorah and the torch of Lady Liberty. The text on the slide reads:
“Ronit Rogov-Malinovitz
The Menorah and the torch of Lady Liberty represent the 8-step Data Wise process I learned in the Teacher Leadership Program. The Menorah is Judaism’s oldest symbol as it once stood in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The seven-branched candelabrum is also the symbol represented in the Israeli emblem as it is the symbol of the nation of Israel and its mission to be ‘a light unto the nations’ (Isaiah 42:6). Connecting the Menorah with the Liberty torch represent, in my eyes, the connection between Israel and the USA at my school. The light and the enlightenment in both. ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit.’ (Zechariah, 4:1-6)”
Slide:
A slide with a photo of a botanical garden where bushes are shaped as swirling figures. The text on the slide reads: “‘When others join in, the description is always fuller than what I saw alone.’ - Patricia Carini
Rana Morrisey”
Slide:
A slide with a photo of Siobhan in front of a building. On the left hand side, there is a photo of a thank you note written by students. The text on the slide reads:
“Siobhan O’Donnell
Major: Education Studies
Minor: Spanish
I am currently participating in an internship at Kelly Elementary School working with bilingual second graders. Next year I will be getting my Masters of Arts in Teaching at Brandeis! One of my favorite education class memories is Marcie Abramson telling us that children have more creative math-minds than adults. I believe her exact words were something like ‘adults are stupid’. I will always strive stay creative!”
Slide:
A slide with a photo of instructions on how to paint a pomegranate. The text on the slide reads:
“‘The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have.’
-Sheryl Sandberg
Laura Pasek”
Slide interlude ends.
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Susanna Perrin*
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Portland Jewish Academy
Portland, Oregon
Coach: Minna Heilpern
*Legacy Heritage Master’s Scholar”
There is a photo of Susanna in front of nature.
Sokoloff:
“Susanna Perrin, Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership, Legacy Heritage Master's Scholar.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Heilpern in front of a blue wall. Susanna’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Susanna is wearing graduation attire and sitting on a sofa.
Heilpern:
“Susanna, it's with great excitement that I congratulate you today. I have watched you grow in your teacher leadership skills as you thoughtfully guided your colleague in the important work of developing, engaging, collaborative lessons for your 4th-grade students that integrated Jewish values.
Through this endeavor, you deepened your relationship with your colleague while providing your students with a unique and valuable learning experience. As a result, you are poised, ready to continue this collaborative work with other colleagues in your school. Being your coach has been a privilege and a joy for me, and I look forward to remaining in touch with you as you carry on through the next steps of your journey. May you continue to gallop mekhayil el khayil -- from strength to strength, Mazel Tov.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Jay Schwartz
BA
Major: Education Studies
Minor: Creativity, the Arts and Social Transformation
Next year I will be continuing my small herbal business and offering holistic menstrual empowerment.”
There is a photo of Jay in front of a desert.
Kell:
“Jay Schwartz, Bachelor of Arts, Magna cum laude.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Hassenfeld. Jay’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Jay is outdoors.
Hassenfeld:
“Jay Schwartz, I am so grateful to be able to speak about you. Everything is better when you are there. I cannot tell you how much you added to my life and to our course in the fall. With all of your thoughtful insights, your raw honesty, and your willingness and capacity to bring your full self to all of your academic endeavors. I believe that your authenticity and your passion and your brilliance is going to serve you so well in everything that you pursue from your business plans to your healing plans and how those two come together.
I learned so much from every single one of our discussions. I am grateful for you for finding time to tell me more about yourself and to allow me to learn from you. I wish you the best of luck. Congratulations on this huge milestone of graduating. Please keep in touch and let us know all the wonderful things you accomplish with love, Ziva.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Arlenne Serna
BA Majors: Education Studies, International Global Studies
Minor: Social Justice & Social Policy
Next year I will join Americorps Boston
as a legal advocate.”
There is a photo of Arlenne in front of a dark background.
Kell:
“Arlenne Serna, Bachelor of Arts.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Levenson.
Levenson:
“Arlenne, you are a thoughtful, hardworking, committed person who does not settle for easy answers to hard questions. In our class, I could always count on you not only to have read the assignments but to ask challenging questions. Your openness and wonderful smile enable you to mentor others and make good relationships.
You have learned much in your various internships, and it's great that you'll be working in a paid internship in DC after graduation. Arlenne, you are determined to make a difference in issues such as immigration that are challenging families, communities, and our country. I am certain we'll hear more from you in the future. Congratulations.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Nicole Stokes*
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Pardes Jewish Day School
Scottsdale, Oregon
Coach: Cindy Shulak-Rome
*Legacy Heritage Master's Scholar.”
There is a photo of Nicole in front of a background of flowers.
Sokoloff:
“Nicole Stokes, Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership, Legacy Heritage Master's Scholar.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Shulak-Rome. Nicole’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Nicole is wearing a graduation cap and is in front of a clock.
Shulak-Rome:
“Nicole, the first time we met you told me how passionate you are about social-emotional learning. During these past two years, it has been my honor to work with you as we have worked together to weave this into your project for teacher leadership. You have demonstrated amazing flexibility and fortitude in your ability to adapt to an ever-changing landscape at school while always holding fast to the importance of social-emotional learning for the students in every classroom.
You are steady and calm and maintain perspective through it all. I have so enjoyed working with you and I know you will continue to bring your wisdom to students and teachers as you move forward in your leadership role. Congratulations.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Stephanie Teitelbaum*
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School
Jacksonville, Florida
Coach: Shira Loewenstein
*Legacy Heritage Master’s Scholar.”
There is a photo of Stephanie in front of a wall.
Sokoloff:
“Stephanie Teitelbaum, Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership, Legacy Heritage Master's Scholar.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Loewenstein. Stephanie’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Stephanie is wearing a graduation cap and there are people cheering in the background.
Loewenstein:
“Stephanie, you put your all into this job. You're passionate and compassionate. You always put the needs of your students first. Over the past two years, you've thought about what it means to prioritize the needs of your colleagues as learners.
From the very 1st time we met, you were thinking about how to transform the middle school team meetings. You've continued to push yourself and your colleagues to do more and to be better. Your journey has had a few obstacles in the way, but remarkably nothing has gotten you down. You always keep your eye laser-focused on what's important, the students. I'm so proud of you for coming this far and I can't wait to see what you do next year on your journey as a teacher leader.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Mengqi Tian
BA
Majors: Education Studies, Psychology
Minor: Economics
Next year I will join a master’s program in Human Development and Education at Harvard.”
There is a photo of Mengqi in front of nature.
Transitions to a video of Professor Hassenfeld. Mengqi’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Mengqi is wearing a graduation cap in front of the Shapiro Science Center Zoom background.
Kell:
“Mengqi Tian, Bachelor of Arts, Magna cum laude.”
Hassenfeld:
“Mengqi Tian, what an incredible privilege it was to get to know you this year, even in a remote context of learning and studying with you in ED 165, reading and talking back to educational research. I felt like I was able to get to know you as a person, as a scholar, as a member of family and a community. Your enthusiasm, your positivity, your commitment to your schoolwork, and your commitment to always giving your all to every single assignment stood out in such a way that I will never forget the tremendous work you produced in my course.
I am so grateful that I got to know you as a budding scholar, as a person, as a member of the Brandeis community, and to learn about all of your interests. I wish you the most incredible, I don't know how to capture the milestone, even as we end on this remote note, the milestone in graduating in Brandeis and the tremendous work that you accomplished here, we will remember you fondly. Finally, we hope that you keep in touch and I am so proud of you. Congratulations to you and to your family.”
Transitions to interlude slides. “Bossa Antigua” jazz music is playing in the background.
Slide:
A slide with a photo of a puzzle with words written on it. The text on the slide reads:
“Susanna Perrin
Unlike the puzzle enthusiast, who can marvel at the completed piece, the puzzle for a teacher-inquirer is never quite finished, even after intensive analysis.
Nancy Fichtman Dana
Diane Yendol-Hoppey
A puzzle about collaboration created by my 4th grade students.”
Slide:
A slide with a photo of Jay Schwartz in a desert. On the right hand side of the slide, there is a photo of a packaged herbal product. The text on the slide reads:
“Jay Schwartz
My favorite ED class: Jennifer Cleary’s Creative Pedagogy :)
Every single education professor radically changed my understanding of childhood, creativity, ageism, empowerment, and pedagogy. Specifically, I am thinking about Professor Wallace, Cleary, Miller, Schattschneider
Began my own herbal business, PlantHealingWoman to make herbal medicine accessible to menstruators
Moved to Asheville, NC
Began teaching Jewish Ancestral Wisdom at the Asheville Waldorf”
Slide:
A slide with a photo of Arlenne Serna. On the right hand side of the slide, there is a photo of a palace. There is a logo for BU Law and Americorps. The text on the slide reads: “Arlenne Serna
Majors: ED STUDIES and INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Minor: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL POLICY
I have committed to year of service as an Americorps Legal Advocate to prepare for law school at Boston University. Special thank yous to my mentors Prof. Levenson and and Prof. Theodorou. Through the ED department, I have connected my passions of immigration and education reform”
Slide:
A slide with a photo of a freeway in a rural area. The title of the slide is: “Nicole L. Stokes”.
There is a photo of rocks stacked on top and balancing each other.
There is a photo of people holding gears so that they fit together.
There is a photo of a tundra with the text: “‘Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.’ - Brene Brown”
There is a quotation with the text: “‘To the brave and the brokenhearted who have taught us how to rise after we fall - your courage is contagious’ - Brene Brown”
There is a diagram of stacked words including words such as Coaching, Skills, and goals.
The word “brave” is on the slide.
Slide:
A slide with an illustration of a puzzle connecting leadership related words together. There is a diagram showing two hands touching and each hand has leadership related words written on them. The text on the slide reads:
“Stephanie Teitelbaum
Inquiry
Reflection
Collaboration
Schools must equally promote students' growth & learning as much as they do teachers' growth & learning.
‘If you are a leader, do everything you can to grow yourself and create the right environment for others to grow.’”
Slide:
A slide with a photo of Mengqi Tian wearing a winter jacket. There is a photo of people together on a Zoom call. There is a photo of the cover of a children’s book titled “Knuffle Bunny”. There is a photo of Mengqi with children inside of a classroom. There is a photo of people playing pingpong. There is a photo of a promotion for ED175 and for a class presented by Mengqi titled “One Day In Beijing”. There is a diagram containing drawings of bunnies, houses, and globes. The text on the slide reads:
“Mengqi Tian
My biggest takeaways:
learned about how to give, feel, and accept love
better understood diversity, equity, and inclusion
had more courage to move forward
became a better self
a). My own math game from Ms. Marcie Abramson’s Math 3a
b). First Observation from Prof. Ziva Hassenfeld’s ED 165a
c). Favorite Storybook from Ms. Deborah Moriarty’s ED 107a
d). Complete Lesson Plan from Ms. Kerry Dunne’s ED 100b
e). Cool multicultural blog from Ms. Rachel Theodorou’s ED175a
f). Photo from last ED 150b class with Prof. Leah Gordon
g). First Field Placement from Ms. Aja Jackson’s ED 100a”
Interlude ends.
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Sophie Dwyer Warszawski
BA
Phi Beta Kappa
MAJOR: Education Studies
MINORS: Psychology
Teacher Education
Next year I will be a Teaching Fellow
at Lemberg Children’s Center.”
There is a photo of Sophie on the right hand side of the slide.
Kell:
“Sophie Dwyer Warszawski, Bachelor of Arts, Magna cum laude.”
Transitions to a video of a teacher with children at Lemberg Children’s Center.
Lemberg Teacher:
“Sophie, thank you so much for your wonderful talents and your love, and your kindness. It has been so wonderful having you as a student teacher in the voyager room.”
Transitions to a video of a different teacher with children at Lemberg.
Lemberg Teacher:
“Sophie, we are thrilled to know that you'll be joining us again at Lemberg next year as a teaching fellow.”
Transitions to a video Howard Baker with children at Lemberg.
Howard Baker:
“Yay Sophie, we loved having you here with us for four years.”
Transitions to a video of the children. The caption “We love you Sophia the teacher!”appears on the screen.
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Shoshi Weisbin
BA
Major: Education Studies
I am still deciding what I will do next year.”
There is a photo of Shoshi on the right hand side of the slide.
Kell:
“Shoshi Weisbin, Bachelor of Arts, is not with us today. Congratulations Shoshi.
Rebecca Weiss, Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Rebecca Weiss
BA
Phi Beta Kappa
Majors: Education Studies, Psychology
Minor: Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Next year I will begin a master’s program in elementary general and special education in New York.”
There is a photo of Rebecca in front of a wall.
Transitions to a video of Professor Gordon. Rebecca’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Rebecca is wearing a graduation in front of a graduation banner.
Gordon:
“Rebecca, you're such an insightful and original thinker, a natural leader in class discussion, and an incredibly thorough and determined researcher. I have been especially impressed by your work both in writing and in class discussions and the two classes you've taken with me this year, purpose and politics of education and the history of higher education. I saw it as a real testament to your intellectual commitment that when I offered an optional class chat for my course, you were one of the only students to join me on Zoom each week to spend extra time talking about the reading material. You are particularly good at crafting an innovative and independent argument.
The research you did on the history of educational equality and ram upon New Jersey after the controversy, many of us know about what's especially impressive. In addition, Rebecca, you always made our class discussions more rigorous and interesting. I'm so excited that you are planning a career in education with a focus on elementary education and issues of educational justice and equality. Congratulations.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Shangyuan Xu
BA
Majors: Education Studies
Psychology
Minor: Economics
Next year I will be studying human development at Vanderbilt University.”
There is a photo of Shangyuan on the right hand side of the slide.
Kell:
“Shangyuan Xu, Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Gordon. Shangyuan’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Shangyuan is in front of the Mandel building Zoom background.
Gordon:
“Shangyuan, I have been consistently impressed by what a motivated and insightful scholar of education and psychology you are. I was especially impressed by the detailed research and clear argumentation you used in the research papers you wrote in both purpose and politics of education and the history of higher education.
One paper in particular, about the controversy that erupted in a Chinese city near your hometown when 800 students from a school for rural migrants were transferred into a wealthier school and parents protested, provided such interesting and sobering evidence of the ways groups often compete over educational resources they believed to be scarce, rather than treating education as a public good, a theme we discussed for much of the semester. I applaud your strong commitment to both educational scholarship and to advocacy for social justice. I'm excited you will be exploring your interests in educational equity and psychology in graduate school next year.”
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Jess Yang
BS
Majors: Education Studies, Applied Mathematics
Minors: Teacher Education- Secondary, Economics
Next year I will study for a master’s degree
at the University of Oxford in the UK.”
There is a photo of Jess in a car.
Kell:
“Jess Yang, Bachelor of Science, magna cum laude.”
Transitions to a video of Professor Igra in front of a door. Jess’s Zoom video is on the right hand side of the screen. Jess is in front of the Rose Art Museum Zoom background.
Igra:
“Jess, your school had enough confidence in you to offer you the opportunity to take over for your mentor teacher. When you wisely declined, you briefly became a mentor teacher yourself, guiding the ostensibly more experienced substitute teacher and their teaching. But I'm not surprised.
Each week you come to class and share how you have put what you learned at Brandeis into practice in your math classroom. These aren't just teaching tricks. It is a way of honoring your students' thinking and helping them learn from each other. You have so much to teach us all. Congratulations Jess.”
Transitions to an interlude of slides. “Bossa Antigua” jazz music is playing in the background.
Slide:
A slide with a photo of Sophia Warszawksi. On the left hand side of the slide, there is a photo of Sophia in a Zoom call with others. The text on the slide reads:
“Next year I am going to work as a Teaching Fellow at Lemberg Children’s Center I decided to study Education because a friend thought I would be good at it (she was right)
Major: Ed Studies; Minor: Teaching education/Psychology”
Slide:
A slide with a photo of Rebecca Weiss. There is a photo of Rebecca with other people holding a sign with the text: “I am a math person! #BrandeisEd105”. The text on the slide reads:
“Rebecca Weiss
Majors: Education Studies, Psychology
Minor: WGS
What’s Next: Master’s in Elementary Special and General Education
The ED department gave me:
Classes I could always look forward to. Really interesting research projects that I keep talking about (even semesters after they’re done). Lots of great advice from professors and peers. A fun, kind, supportive community of students, faculty, and staff. A roommate, dance partners, professors who care, and amazing friends.”
Slide:
A slide with a photo of Shangyuan Xu in front of nature. The text on the slide reads:
“Shangyuan Xu
Major: ED studies, Psychology
Minor: Economics
Next year I am going to get a Master’s degree in Human Development at Vanderbilt University
I love all my classes, and all my professors are very supportive! Thank you!
One of my favorite memories is when I shared a cake recipe with my classmates.”
Slide:
A slide with a photo of Jess Yang in a car. There is a photo of Jess giving a presentation inside a classroom with the caption: “first time in Waltham High School”. There is a photo of Jess wearing a graduation cap. There is a photo of Jess standing next to children. The text on the slide reads:
“Jess Yang
Teaching Journey
‘Ms.Yang is a great teacher :)’
Ms.Yang is a great teacher :)
I hope you become a real teacher Ms. Yang
I liked learning math today because the way Mrs. Yang teaches is really good and I like using the strategies she uses.
Research journey
Over-education in China
Impact of Communication in the Classroom During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Current Issues of Environmental Education in China and Policy Recommendation
Real-Time Measures of Inequality in Use of Online Learning Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Slide: A slide with a photo of Irma Zamarripa in graduation attire. The text on the slide reads:
“Irma Zamarripa
Next year, I will be attending the Heller School for Social Policy and Management to pursue a Masters in Public Policy. I am also excited to start an internship this summer at the Commit Partnership to help advocate for equitable education policies across the North Texas region.”
Fades to blue and scrolling white text reads:
“Congratulations Brandeis Education Program Class of 2021
Mor Abramovitz
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Legacy Heritage Master’s Scholar
Lauren Bargmann
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Melissa Baron Bernosky
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Geraldine Bogard
B.A. in Education and Theater Arts
Sophie Brill Weitz
B.A. in Education
Magna Cum Laude
Bridget Cifuni
B.A. in Education / MAT
Magna Cum Laude
Jennifer Cook
B.A. in Education
Magna Cum Laude
Jennifer Genova
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Sara Getzoff
B.A. in Education and History
Cum Laude
Lily Elaine Horowitch
B.A. in Education / MAT
Magna Cum Laude
Darcy Howell
B.A. in Education
Zoe Kastenberg Klein
B.A. in Education and History
Magna Cum Laude
Jamie Long
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Alyse Malc
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Legacy Heritage Master’s Scholar
Linda Maleh
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Legacy Heritage Master’s Scholar
Becky Marcus
B.A. in Education and Near East & Judaic Studies
Ronit Rogov Malinovitz
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Legacy Heritage Master’s Scholar
Jenevieve McCauley
B.A. in Education and English
Magna Cum Laude
Lily Morris
B.A. in Education and Near East & Judaic Studies
Magna Cum Laude
Rana Morrissey
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Legacy Heritage Master’s Scholar
Siobhan O’Donnell
B.A. in Education
Magna Cum Laude
Laura Pasek
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Legacy Heritage Master’s Scholar
Susanna Perrin
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Legacy Heritage Master’s Scholar
Jay Schwartz
B.A. in Education
Magna Cum Laude
Arlenne Serna
B.A. in Education and International Global Studies
Nicole Stokes
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Legacy Heritage Master’s Scholar
Stephanie Teitelbaum
Ed.M. in Teacher Leadership
Legacy Heritage Master’s Scholar
Mengqi Tian
B.A. in Education and Psychology
Magna Cum Laude
Sophia Dwyer Warszawski
B.A. in Education
Magna Cum Laude
Shoshi Weisbin
B.A. in Education
Rebecca Weiss
B.A. in Education and Psychology
Magna Cum Laude
Shangyuan Xu
B.A. in Education and Psychology
Cum Laude
Jess Yang
B.S. in Applied Mathematics and Education
Magna Cum Laude
Irma Janeth Zamarripa González
B.A. in Education and Public Policy
Summa Cum Laude”
Returns to Professor Gordon
Gordon:
“We're very excited to recognize our prize winners in our next section of our program. We have three undergraduate prizes, The Theodore R. and Nancy F. Sizer Endowment Prize in Education Studies, The Diane Rottenberg Davis Prize for Excellence in Teaching, and the Marcia Bloch Epstein Prize in Teaching for Social Justice.
I'll tell you first about the Sizer prize. The Ted and Nancy Sizer prize was created to honor the vision and work with these two extraordinary educators. Ted Sizer, who was considered one of the leading voices in educational reform, served as the dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and later as the dean of the Education Department at Boston University.
Ted and Nancy were co-principals of the Francis Parker charter school and they participated in the Spencer Seminar at Brandeis. They also were key leaders in the coalition of essential schools and believe that schools should be democratic institutions where instruction is based on a student's individual needs and teachers' ideas. They believed in assessments such as portfolios where students can demonstrate what they had learned. They opposed single standardized measures of student achievement.
I should also say on a personal note that my first education class was with Ted Sizer. Ted and Nancy would be very pleased that the Sizer prize is being awarded to two outstanding seniors. I should say that I suspect Ted and Nancy would also have been pleased to hear what a difficult job it was to choose the award recipients. There were so many very talented education studies majors whose work expressed strong commitments to social justice that this was a very difficult decision.”
Transitions to a side-by-side Zoom gallery with Professor Gordon on the left hand side and Sophie Brill Wietz on the right hand side. Sophie is wearing a graduation cap in front of a wall.
Gordon:
“Sophie Brill Weitz is the first recipient of the Sizer Prize. She is an Education Studies major and a triple minor in Journalism, Social Justice & Social Policy and Creativity, the Arts, & Social Transformation. Sophie, you should be very proud of your academic record, which is strong enough that you were recently elected to Phi Beta Kappa; a significant accomplishment. I never had the pleasure of having you in class, but many of the faculty who did emphasize to me what a joy it was to read your thoughtful and cogent writing and how compelling your contributions to class discussions consistently were.
You've taken a range of coursework in education, but much has been focused on diversity and equity, with emphases on education and disability, parenting and cross-cultural perspective, anti-racist and decolonial education and issues related to creativity. Sophie, you have also shown strong commitments to social justice through your extracurricular work. I really appreciate your efforts and community building, which I want to celebrate.
You've been one of the leaders of our excellent team of undergraduate department representatives this year, helping the program expand its activity and sense of belonging through the dislocations associated with COVID. In this capacity, you helped organize a range of events intended to promote social and intellectual community, which greatly benefited our program and helped students feel more connected to one another and to faculty. In fact, you know this, but I want to make sure that others do.
This group was awarded the UDR, Undergraduate Department Representative, recognition prize from the university for their strong programming. Throughout your time at Brandeis, you've also engaged in a number of education-related extracurricular programs that also express your strong commitment to the pursuit of social justice.
You've been a tutor through spectrum where you designed and executed lesson plans for students with disabilities. You worked as a journalism teacher for seventh graders in the Boston-based Breakthrough Collaborative, served as a teaching assistant at local public schools, did online tutoring through go tutor, worked with international students with the Brandeis English Program and as a gateway liaison leader and are one of the Co-Presidents of the Adagio Dance Company.
Throughout both your curricular and extracurricular work Sophie you've shown an exceptional commitment to careful thought, to honing skills as an educator and advocate for educational justice and to community building. Congratulations on all your many accomplishments, Sophie, we are very proud of you and thankful for your service to our program and the wider Boston educational community. We will now turn to Marya Levenson to hear about our second Sizer Prize winner.”
Transitions to a side-by-side Zoom gallery with Professor Levenson on the left hand side and Irma Zamarripa on the right hand side. Irma is wearing a graduation cap in front of a door.
Levenson:
“Irma, it is my pleasure to recognize you as the other Sizer prize recipient. You have built an impressive academic record, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Equally as important, you have been an advocate for those who may not be heard in arenas where policies are created.
As a program coordinator in bridges to success, you developed an online tutoring program for at-risk students in Mississippi. You worked to create a fair and accurate count of Latino communities in the census in Texas. Your senior thesis, the power of inclusive policy, studied the history of driver's license laws and identified key factors for inclusive policymaking for undocumented immigrants in the United States.
You backup your beliefs about social justice with thoughtful research, which you will continue next year as part of the Master of Public Policy at the Heller School, where you will join the poverty alleviation concentration. I know that both Ted and Nancy Sizer would be very pleased that you are receiving this award. Congratulations Irma. We will now turn to Professor Rachel Theodorou who will speak about the Teacher Education prizes.”
Transitions to a side-by-side Zoom gallery of Professor Kramer Theodorou on the left hand side and Lily Horowitch on the right hand side. Lily is in front of a painting.
Kramer Theodorou:
“Hey everyone. Today, I'm going to speak about two of them one at a time. The Diane Rottenberg Davis Memorial Endowment Prize is being awarded to Lily Horowitch. Diane Rottenberg was a Brandeis alumna of the class of 1955. As an undergrad, she was involved in a variety of on-campus activities, from theater to campus housing to sports. Diane was an educator in Swampscott and Marblehead Massachusetts public Schools, as well as being active in her local synagogue. She was a mother of two sons and the daughter of Thomas and Milly Fisher Rottenberg of Everett, who established this prize in her memory.
Lily, you have adeptly integrated your skills learned in both your Ed Studies and teacher Ed classes into your student teaching this year in not one but two different grades this year. This award is for excellence in teaching, but I'd like for you to know that you actually earned this award for the dispositions about yourself as an educator that surrounds your daily classroom instruction. What has impressed us so much Lily is your dedication to reflectiveness and an inquiry stance. You demonstrated the many child studies you did over the years and will do in your career. Just how important it is to consider the broadest set of possibilities for teaching all children in a most inclusive and relatable way.
Lily, you model humility and boldness and asking yourself and your peers not just to consider how to teach something today, but moreover, what today's lessons have taught you about children, teaching, learning, and the purposes of education as they impact tomorrow's teaching. Lily, I can't wait to hear more of your stories of your attentive and loving teaching throughout your career. Congratulations. I'm now going to pass along to Marcie Abramson, who will say some more wonderful things about Lily.”
Transitions to a side-by-side Zoom gallery with Professor Kramer Theodorou, Lily, and Professor Abramson.
Abramson:
“Hi, Lily. Congratulations to all your friends and family. Lily, how lucky am I to have had the privilege to teach you in not one but three mathematics courses. She kept coming back. At first, you did not see yourself as a mathematician. But through all the years, we have to work together and we have both grown.
In math 3A, you said I'm a math person because I keep trying even when I get stuck. You exemplify mathematics practice 1, which talks about persevering in solving math problems and life's problems. Your calm, caring, and considerate manner helped me to be a better teacher, but helped all the students in all the classes grow into a culture of positivity and we all can do it.
I'm so lucky to know you and I'm so proud of you and wish you the best in your math and all life adventures. Lily, you are a mathematician. Congratulations, and you have to promise to stay in touch. Congratulations.”
Transitions to a side-by-side Zoom gallery with Professor Kramer Theodorou on the left hand side and Darcy Howell on the right hand side. Darcy is in front of decorative lights.
Kramer Theodorou:
“I will get the mic back again to speak next, and congrats Lily, to speak next to Darcy Howell, who has received the Marcia Bloch Epstein Prize for a demonstrated commitment to social justice through teaching.
About the prize, Marcia Bloch Epstein Brandeis Class of 1955 graduated in three years and went on to earn a Master's in Education from Case Western Reserve and a PhD from Ohio State University. We know from her 2001 eulogy that "As a parent, Marcia empowered and encouraged, listened, and offered opinions and counsel. Most importantly, she didn't simply teach you, but helped you learn."
Marcia was a devoted friend and as we learned from her Brandeis roommate and from former trustee Rena Olshansky, it was Rena, an ardent education supporter along with Marcia's husband Jerry, who created this prize in Marcia's memory. About you Darcy and why you've received this prize. Darcy, you recently answered in a mock interview a question in my class about teaching for social justice and your future classroom, and what we heard in your answer was one of the many reasons why you are earning this award today.
First, you spoke genuinely explaining your positionality or who you are and how this would affect some of the answers you would share. Next, you explained how you do this work in your classroom by repositioning social justice teaching from celebrations and exceptionalism in heroes and holidays approach toward cultivating an inclusive and curious learning community.
Then you reminded us that doing this work is challenging yet urgent by explaining how you stepped up just this year for transgender identity, inclusivity in your current first-grade classroom. In reading a picture book called “I am Jazz,” your veteran mentor teacher was wowed by your maturity and compassion during this lesson, which was a reminder to you how collaborative this work needs to be. Darcy, I'm sure you will continue to inspire courageous and reflective social justice teaching throughout your career. Congratulations. Marcie gets to say some wonderful things about you too.”
Transitions to a side-by-side Zoom gallery with Professor Abramson, Professor Kramer Theodorou, and Darcy.
Abramson:
“Congratulations to Darcy, to family and friends, and everybody. Darcy, I am so lucky to have taught you in two math classes. You always brought to class your positive spirit, and the class was always a better place when you were in it.
Remember how even during the pandemic you kept baking and baking, and you baked cupcakes, and after class, a fellow student came to your place and you gave her a cupcake. How great was that? You have said, I am a math person because I persevere through hard things and I'm always trying to learn more. Your late night email to me one night when you finally solved that ten-gram square puzzle said in all capital letters, I did it. Darcy, you have certainly done it.
You are a math person, as well as a positive role model to students and teachers alike. I wish you all the best in your life and teaching paths. Congratulations, you have to promise to stay in touch. Clap everyone. Congratulations to all of our education prize recipients, Sophie, Irma, Lily, and Darcy. Congratulations."
Transitions to a slideshow. “Bossa Antigua” jazz music is playing in the background.
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Sophie Brill Weitz
BA
Phi Beta Kappa
Major: Education Studies
Minors: Journalism; Creativity, the Arts & Social Transformation;
Social Justice & Social Policy
Theodore R. and Nancy F. Sizer Prize
in Education Studies
Education Program UDR
Next year I will be a program specialist with 826 Boston Writer’s Room Fellowship, an Americorps position.”
There is a photo of Sophie in front of a grey background.
Slide:
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Irma Janeth Zamarripa González
BA
Majors: Education Studies, Public Policy
Minors: Latin American & Latino Studies, Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies
Theodore R. and Nancy F. Sizer Prize
in Education Studies
Next year I am excited to be attending the Heller School for Social Policy and Management.”
There is a photo of Irma in graduation attire in front of the Heller School.
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Lily Elaine Horowitch
BA/MAT
Major: Education Studies
Diane A. Rottenberg Davis Prize
for Excellence in Teaching
I am undecided about plans for next year.”
There is a photo of Lily in front of a lake.
A dark blue slide with white text. The text on the slide reads:
“Darcy Howell
BA
Major: Education Studies
Minor: Teacher Education - Elementary
Marcia Bloch Epstein ’55 Prize for Demonstrated
Commitment to Social Justice through Teaching
Education Program UDR
Next year I will be completing my final semester at Brandeis.”
There is a photo of Darcy in front of a lake.
Transitions to Professor Gordon.
Gordon:
“It's now my pleasure to introduce Professor Sharon Feiman-Nemser, Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel, Professor Emerita of Jewish Education and co-director of the Teacher Leadership Program for a closing remark.”
Feiman-Nemser:
“Thanks Leah. What an amazing ceremony. I know firsthand how extraordinarily talented our teacher-leaders are. But I am so excited to have had a glimpse of extraordinary seniors graduating today. I wanted to close our ceremony with a text that I hope will speak to both groups because you have a lot in common. Both those of you who are at the threshold of beginning your careers in education, and those of you who have been laboring in our schools and classrooms. Not only inspiring your students but being leaders of your colleagues in the ongoing improvement of teaching and learning.
You are all idealistic and caring, hardworking and flexible and you certainly needed your flexibility this year. You are change agents, the change agents that our schools need. You share a vision of equitable and ambitious education for all students, you understand how research can inform policy and practice, and you bring a creative and critical lens to your work.
I turn to one of my heroines who I'll read her statement in a moment. Lucy Sprague Mitchell, educator, feminist, activist, and founder of Bank Street College in 1916 in New York City. For over 100 years Bank Street has been a leading center for progressive democratic education and for the education of progressive democratic teachers who pursue social justice through their teaching and learning.”
Slide:
A slide with the Brandeis logo on the upper left hand corner. The text on the slide reads:
“Lucy Sprague Mitchell
Our aim is to help students develop a scientific attitude toward their work and toward life. To us this means an attitude of eager, alert observations, a constant questioning of old procedures in the light of new observations, a use of the world as well as the books as course materials, and experimental, open-minded and an effort to keep as reliable records as the situation permits, in order to base the future upon actual knowledge of the experiences of the past.
Our aim is equally to help students develop and express the attitude of the artist toward their work and toward life. To us, this means an attitude of relish, of emotional drive, and genuine participation in some creative phase of work, and a sense that joy and beauty are legitimate possessions of all human beings young and old. We are not interested in perpetuating any special school of thought. Rather, we are interested in imbuing students with an experimental critical ardent approach to their work. If we accomplish this, we are ready to leave the future of education to them.
Quoted in Joyce Antler’s, Lucy Sprague Mitchell: The Making Of A Modern Woman, published by Yale University Press in 1987”
Feiman-Nemser:
“I want to read to you a statement that Lucy Sprague Mitchell shared with the graduates of Bank Street College in the early 20th century, on a day, just like this day, on graduation. A statement that expresses provision of what it means to be an educator in a democratic society. I believe this statement captures many of the commitments and aspirations that we as Brandeis have thought to cultivate in you and that you do and we'll embody in your work and your life. As I read it, I'm going to insert the word teacher along with students, because those are the students that Lucy Sprague Mitchell is thinking about. Here are her words which I find so as today and any day.
‘Our aim is to help teachers develop a scientific attitude toward their work and toward life. To us this means an attitude of eager, alert observations, a constant questioning of old procedures in the light of new observations, a use of the world as well as the books as course materials, and experimental, open-minded and an effort to keep as reliable records as the situation permits, in order to base the future upon actual knowledge of the experiences of the past. Our aim is equally to help teachers develop and express the attitude of the artist toward their work and toward life. To us, this means an attitude of relish, of emotional drive, and genuine participation in some creative phase of work, and a sense that joy and beauty are legitimate possessions of all human beings young and old. We are not interested in perpetuating any special school of thought. Rather, we are interested in imbuing teachers with an experimental critical ardent approach to their work. If we accomplish this, we are ready to leave the future of education to them.’
We, my colleague, your teachers and coaches, and mentors. We know that you will bring the attitude of a scientists and artists to your work into your life. We are confident that the future is in your hand and we wish you a hardy congratulations.”
Transitions back to Professor Gordon.
Gordon:
“Thank you, Sharon. After the recessional which is coming next and you won't want to miss it so keep watching, we will head to Zoom, meet and greet breakout rooms. You can find the links for these which will shortly be posted in the chat and which you should have received a lot of emails about and should be in your calendars.
There's one for teacher-leaders and one for undergraduates. I want to just use this final moment to offer my congratulations and my thanks to all of our graduates. For those of us who can unmute, let's all unmute and do one final cheer. Congratulations.”
There is cheering in the background.
Transitions to a video compilation of graduates. “Of Pomp and Circumstance” graduation song is playing in the background.
Mor Abramovitz waves at the camera and walks across a house’s front yard while wearing graduation attire. Lauren Bargmann waves at the camera and walks in front of a beach while wearing graduation attire. Melissa Bernosky waves at the camera and walks across a house’s backyard while wearing graduation attire. Jamie Long waves at the camera and walks in front of nature. Alyse Malc waves at the camera and walks in front of a parking lot. Linda Maleh waves at the camera and crosses a city block.
Ronit Rogov Malinovitz waves at the camera and walks in front of a house while wearing graduation attire. Rana Morrissey waves at the camera and walks in front of a house. Laura Pasek waves at the camera and walks in front of nature while wearing graduation attire. Susanna Perrin waves at the camera and walks in a neighborhood with a dog while wearing graduation attire. Nicole Stokes waves at the camera and walks in front of a building while wearing graduation attire. Stephanie Teitelbaum waves at the camera and walks in front of a park bench.
Sophie Weitz waves at the camera and walks in front of a wall while wearing a graduation cap. Bridget Cifuni shows her graduation cap to the camera. The cap has the text: “Miss Cifuni 2021” written on it. There are trees in the background. Siobhan O’Donnell waves at the camera and walks in front of the Louis Brandeis statue on campus. Mengqi Tian waves at the camera while walking in a public place. There are skyscraper buildings in the background. Rebecca Weiss waves at the camera and walks in front of a house. Shangyuan Xu waves at the camera. There are trees in the background. Jess Yang waves at the camera while walking in front of a landscaped pathway.
Slide:
A slide with a background of the Brandeis campus. The Brandeis logo is on the upper left hand corner. The text on the slide reads:
“Congratulations Graduates! Class of 2021!”