If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when? — Hillel the Elder

As I often say, so much of what inspires me in my role comes out of our early childhood development center (ECDC). Many times, it is a child practicing a skill such as sharing or problem solving or the ruach (spirit) of our weekly Shabbat celebration. But this week it is all about our educators and their commitment to elevating the work they do. Rather than just a didactic in-service experience where the instructors were the primary source of information and controlled the provocations, our educators were active participants and contributors in the overall educational experience. Beyond just focusing on skills enhancement and knowledge acquisition that relates to the role educators play in the classroom, throughout the week they were challenged to consider and discuss their role in promoting a positive culture throughout ECDC and ultimately, elevating the profession as a means of not only addressing some of the most enduring challenges in the work itself but to also help address the existing shortage of qualified early childhood workers throughout the industry.

· Attending monthly in-service gatherings: In an ever-evolving world, knowledge and skills rapidly become outdated. Workers who commit to continuous professional development elevate their fields by staying informed about the latest advancements, best practices, and innovations. A commitment to learning not only enhances individual competence and encourages a culture of excellence but also raises the overall standard of the profession.

· Commitment to the Sheva Lenses: Our Sheva Lenses define the ways in which we view our work. They are meant to serve as a guidepost for our educators in how they structure their time, their curricula and their classrooms. They can inspire our educators in the trusted relationships and partnerships they form with their students, their colleagues, our ECDC families and our broader community.

· Active Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Mentorship plays an essential role in the development of any profession. Experienced workers who mentor younger or less experienced colleagues help to pass on valuable knowledge, skills and wisdom. Furthermore, successful mentoring requires an open and collaborative work environment that embraces the opportunity for feedback loops and encourages continuous improvement and innovation within the field.

· Innovating and Pioneering New Ideas: Innovation is a driving force behind the advancement of any profession. Workers who think creatively, challenge conventional methods and develop new solutions help their professions grow and adapt to new challenges. Our educators have a standing invitation to be trailblazers in their classrooms and throughout ECDC not only for the purposes of improving their own performance but to also open up new opportunities and standards for others within their industry to follow.

· Excellence in Daily Work: The daily execution of one’s job is the most direct way to elevate a profession. Workers who strive for excellence in their day-to-day tasks set a high standard for both their colleagues and their profession. Consistent high performance helps breed a culture and expectation of reliability, competence and quality.

We all play a role in building the organizational culture we want and elevating our respective professions. This hard work cannot be a solitary journey nor does this responsibility sit only with an organization’s leadership. It requires a collaborative effort. Every worker, regardless of their role, has a unique contribution to make, and when these contributions are combined, one’s place of employment and their profession can thrive and evolve, becoming a stronger force for good in the world. Once again, our early childhood team has raised the bar addressing the critical issues, as Hillel did back in the 1st century BCE, of how to take care of oneself for the purpose of supporting the community and doing so in a timely manner. Kol hakavod and toda rabah!