Melissa Hume - 2021 Young Pioneers Award Recipient

Melissa Hume began her career at the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Early Childhood Center in 2009 as a student teacher while pursuing her degree in Early Childhood and Special Education at NYU. Upon graduation, she joined the teaching staff in 2010 working in a toddler classroom. In the years that followed, Melissa served as a classroom teacher and active member of the ECC’s leadership team before ultimately taking on the role of assistant director in 2018. Throughout her time at the ECC, Melissa has remained deeply committed to pursuing best practice in Jewish early childhood education, drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach. In addition to her work at the ECC, Melissa has taught in the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Religious School and supported family programming for the larger synagogue community.  

From the Recipient:

"It is both humbling and empowering to receive this honor. As an educator and life-longer learner, I am so grateful for the opportunity to share the work I passionately believe in with the larger community, and I feel deeply inspired to continue to innovate and grow my practice."

Reflection from colleagues: 

"Melissa's selection as a Robert M. Sherman Young Pioneers Award recipient is a source of pride for our entire Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Early Childhood Center community.  Her commitment and dedication to children, families and colleagues during the pandemic is a testament to her determination to focus on what is possible.” Miriam Kalmar, Director, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Early Childhood Center 

Video by Shulamit Photo + Video @shulamitphotovideo www.shulamitphotography.com

YOUNG PIONEERS AWARD 2021 | K.M. (DiCo) DICOLANDREA | MELISSA HUME | DAMMARA KOVNATS HALL | PAMELA SCHULLER | AVI SIEGEL