Reuven Kuravsky, the head teacher of Jewish Studies at Moscow’s Mesivta School for Boys, won first place at the Festival of Pedagogical Skills, held for teachers in Jewish schools. He also received the title “Teacher of the Year 2011.”
This is the fifth year that such an award has been presented. This year's competition involved teachers from eight different countries: Russia, U.S., Israel, Germany, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Belarus.
The competition was organized by the Regional Methodological Center, headed by Tatiana Feldblum. Mr. Kuravsky participated in the contest for the second time. Last year he won the titel "Keeper of Jewish Tradition."
In the first stage, participants gave classes in their schools on a given topic. This year’s theme was Great Jewish Women. From March 28-31, the final stage of the competition took place. Mr. Kuravsky’s lecture showed that Jewish heroines are not a thing of the distant past, but are alive today and are among us.
In the final stage, participating teachers from different countries exchanged experience regarding their teaching methods, conducted master classes and lectures for other participants and the jury. In addition, all teachers participated in training sessions with Rabbi Shevakh Zlatopolsky, Ilya Dvorkin, and Marina Shishkina.
The results of the competition were tallied on March 31. In his speech, Mr. Kuravsky thanked G-d, who allowed him to reach this day, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who gave him a clear direction for his life, his father and first mentor, Zeev Kuravsky, and his wife Adie.
Ms. Feldblum, warmly congratulated the winner. The jury’s chairman, Georgiy Lerner, read a poem dedicated to him.
The “Teacher of the Year” competition is supported by the Genesis Foundation and the Jewish Agency.