Linda Rubin remembers her start with the Child Development Center of the Jewish Community Center (The J) in 1987. A Pre-K teacher, Rubin was asked to take over a room full of toddlers. “I was petrified,” said Rubin, “but I became a toddler teacher and I loved it.”
The following year, Rubin took on a Pre-K class and that’s where she has stayed.
After 30 years of teaching, Rubin will officially retire this month. During her CDC career, Rubin has touched the lives of more than 600 children in this community. Whether it was teaching youngsters the joy of creating their own art project or sharing the traditions of Shabbat, Rubin has found joy in all of it.
On Sunday, June 24, Rubin will be honored at a special reception from 3-5 p.m. in the CDC Shared Space. Anyone with a connection to Rubin or the CDC is invited.
During her years with the CDC, Rubin has worked with After Kindergarten Kare, served as art director and music teacher during summer camp and taught clay classes. She also led Havdalah and Shabbat activities weekly. Everywhere she has been involved, Rubin has created special memories.
“My favorite part of my years was working with the children in Pre-K to have the confidence to be successful in kindergarten,” she said.
“These kids have become my kids. I take so much pride in their accomplishments after they leave me. Best of all is being the Pre-K teacher for three children that their mothers were my kiddos 20-plus years ago.”
There have been fun times, too. One of Rubin’s special memories is dressing up at Purim as the Disney character of Cruella DeVille. Another was participating with other veteran teachers and doing a cheer at camp using canes and walkers.
“We dressed up as the ‘altercockers’ and everyone was laughing,” Rubin said.
For all of her efforts in making a difference in the lives of children at The J, Rubin was named The J’s Employee of the Year in 2017.
“The CDC is honored to have had a teacher like Linda for so long,” said Machaela Whelan, The J’s director of the Child Development Center. “Linda represents what it means to be a dedicated and caring teacher and we are lucky to have had her in the lives of so many children and families.”
For Rubin, it is hard to believe her tenure as a teacher at The J is coming to an end.
“Being a teacher for 30 years has meant wonderful relationships I have made with so many of the families and wonderful Petite Pioneer children,” she said. “How wonderful to share special occasions and accomplishments of my kids. Every time I see one of my kids, what a great feeling I have of the memories we share.”