Nurturing Ourselves as We Nurture Our Students: The Call for Continued Professional Learning

By Leslie Scheck

Director of Early Childhood Education, Temple Solel, Cardiff by the Sea

As early childhood educators within the Reform Jewish community, we understand that lifelong learning (Talmud Torah) is not just a value we teach — it is a value we live. Our youngest learners thrive when we, their teachers, are also growing, reflecting, and renewing our practice.

Continued professional learning is essential in early childhood education. Research in child development, brain science, and pedagogy continues to evolve. Staying engaged in learning ensures we can create environments rooted in best practices, support every child's development with care and wisdom, and model the very curiosity and love of learning we hope to nurture in our students.

Professional learning also strengthens our communities. When we learn together, we inspire one another, deepen our collective knowledge, and build stronger bonds rooted in a shared commitment to excellence and growth.

There are many ways to engage in professional learning. One powerful way to stay engaged is through reading and reflective dialogue. Here are several recommended books to inspire and support your journey:

• "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
  A clear guide to understanding young children's brains and supporting healthy development.
• "How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen" by Joanna Faber and Julie King
  Practical communication strategies for connecting compassionately with young learners.
• "Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs" (NAEYC)
  A foundational guide outlining best practices in early learning environments.
• "The Importance of Being Little" by Erika Christakis
  A thoughtful exploration of how honoring children's perspectives leads to better learning.
• "Powerful Interactions" by Amy Laura Dombro, Judy Jablon, and Charlotte Stetson
  Tools for building intentional, meaningful relationships that extend children's learning.
• "Inspiring Early Childhood Leadership" by Susan MacDonald
  A motivational resource for growing as a leader in your school community.
• "What’s Jewish About Butterflies?" by Maxine Segal Handelman and Deborah L. Schein
  A beautiful integration of Jewish values and early childhood education, offering ideas for embedding Jewish identity and learning in everyday moments.
• "A New Vision for Early Childhood: Rethinking Our Relationships with Young Children" by Noah Hichenberg
  A fresh perspective on building authentic, respectful relationships with young children.
• "From Teaching to Thinking: A Pedagogy for Reimagining Our Work" by Ann Pelo and Margie Carter
  A call to move beyond rote teaching toward a reflective, inquiry-based approach to early childhood education.

In pursuing our own growth, we not only fulfill our professional responsibilities — we honor the sacred trust placed in us to guide and nurture the next generation with wisdom, compassion, and purpose.

I invite you to share your favorite title (from this list, or your own) - with a trusted colleague or member of your staff.  Keep the conversation and the learning going!