Elizabeth Zetley's warm and loving demeanor, coupled with her innovative teaching style, has made her one of 'Z' Apachi Early Childhood Center's most beloved teachers.
One parent even described Zetley, affectionally known as "Ms. Liz" in the classroom, as "the epitome of what an early childhood Jewish preschool teacher should be. She creates an environment that honors curiosity, personal values, creativity, kindness, and nature."
Zetley is the winner of the10th annual Sue Pinsky Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. The annual award, presented by the JUF Education Department, honors a teacher in a non-profit Chicago-area Jewish early childhood center, and includes a $4,000 cash prize and $1,000 for the school. The award was named for Sue Pinsky, of Highland Park, who taught early childhood education for decades at the Weinger Jewish Community Center; she passed away in December.
Previously, Zetley won JCC Chicago's Spirit of Sheva Award in 2023. She has also received multiple Early Childhood Small Grants for innovation in teaching and curricula development.
"There are many good Jewish educators in Chicago, so it means a lot to me to be recognized for the love and passion I have for the children and their education," Zetley said.
Zetley was born in Milwaukee, and moved to Northbrook, where she still lives today, when she was four years old. She attended Glenbrook North High School, earned her undergraduate degree in Jewish Studies at Indiana University, and received her master's degree in early childhood education from National Louis University.
She discovered her love of children in high school, when she babysat and worked with children at her synagogue. "I loved teaching them to have Jewish values, like kindness and tzedakah," she reflected.Gardening is another passion of Zetley's, one she shares with students and her own two children.
The award ceremony will be held on May 9 at 'Z' Apachi Early Childhood Center. Nominations for the 2025 award will open in December.
