ECC honors heroes Judy Nagle and David C. Isenberg

Judy Nagle is just one of the many caring, loving teachers helping to shape the lives of the children at the David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center. This year, there are 28 teachers at the ECC and each one  – like Judy  – is special. But Judy is distinct, not just because of what she does but also because of how long she has been doing it.

Twenty-five years to be exact.

“When you think of what an early childhood educator should be, Judy Nagle’s image comes to mind,” said Nicole Katzman, director of early childhood education. She’s kind, loving, nurturing and patient. She cares about the success of each of her students.”

And the students respond. On a recent cold morning, they sat by the piano in Room 1, listening intently while she played. Enthusiastically, they took turns standing next to her during the songs.

Nagle said she loves teaching preschool children. “Watching the enthusiasm and magic when a child learns something is special. Children can still experience that sense of wonder,” she said.

“I want them to still think the world is wonderful.”

Nagle, a native New Yorker, got a degree in education with a specialization in art education from Hofstra University. She started teaching in 1966 in the public schools on Long Island and in New York City, first as an art teacher and then in elementary grades. Then, in 1975, she moved to Rhode Island.

Four children later, she went back to teaching at Temple Torat Yisrael. In 1989, she started teaching at the ECC. The rest, as they say, is history.

Thinking back, Nagle says she’s been in just about every classroom in the ECC from young preschool to Pre-K and Kindergarten. And she taught various art-based enrichment classes. Many will remember one of the more popular classes called Masks, Myths and Monsters.

Despite her art background, Nagle considers herself an overall educator. She’s taught a wide swath of ages and, in addition to art, she loves music.

The keys to her success?  Giving the children the chance to explore.

“You have to focus on the child’s ability to discover for themselves,” she said. “You can drop breadcrumbs along the way. But you have to give them a chance to pick them up or give them to the birds or even eat them.”

On March 29, she will be honored as an ECC Hero along with David C. Isenberg at an event hosted by the parent committee.

Isenberg is being recognized for his commitment, dedication and philanthropy.

“David truly has been the person who has transformed our school through his generosity and philanthropy,” said Katzman. “He’s not just a donor but an amazing friend to our school. He truly cares about the success of our school.”

The ECC Heroes event was the idea of Randi and Doug Simon, according to Katzman. Randi is co-chair of the parent committee. The celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Dwares JCC. There will be dinner, dancing and an auction. Tickets are $54. The goal of the evening is to raise $18,000 to dedicate Nagle’s preschool classroom in her honor.

One last bit of advice from Nagle: “We have to give children a chance to express themselves,” she said.

And, “most definitely, color outside the lines!”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Many children have been touched by Judy’s guidance and enthusiasm. If you recognize yourself in one of these photos, have messages to share with Judy would like to attend the Heroes event, please contact Nicole Katzman (nkatzman@jewishallianceri.org) at 401-421-4111, ext. 180. There is a Facebook page available for messages: facebook.come/groups/833907063335634

FRAN OSTENDORF is editor of The Jewish Voice.