Karen Morrison is a hero to the kids in her classroom at the Chava Center at B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim (BJBE) in Deerfield. With her infinite energy and superior listening skills, she brings Jewish concepts to life in engaging and meaningful ways, inspiring her students to connect with, and be excited about, Judaism.
Where does she get her extraordinary abilities? "I strongly believe that being Jewish is a superpower," Morrison said.
Her greatest nemesis is apathy. "I want the children to feel pride, as we tell stories and go through the holidays," she said. "Setting that foundation early in a positive, joyful way helps lay the foundation work for Jewish learning and connection throughout their lives."
For her devotion to Jewish education, Morrison was selected to receive the 2025 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. This prestigious award was endowed in honor of Sue Pinsky Gardner-who taught early childhood education for decades at the Bernard Weinger JCC-by Sue's son, Mark, and his wife, Lisa, through JUF's Agency Endowment Program, to ensure that it is given in perpetuity.
Morrison also serves as a mentor of JUF's ElevatEd program, an initiative transforming the field of early childhood Jewish education while addressing the early childhood educator shortage.
"One of my favorite characteristics of Karen is how she advocates for our play-based Jewish curriculum," shared Jacqueline Hubert, Director of the Chava Center. "She weaves our values of joyful Judaism, love of learning, and caring community in everything she does."
Morrison admits that she "fell into teaching" when she was searching for a major in college. "I quickly discovered my passion for it," she said. She went on to spend the early years of her career as an elementary teacher at schools in Ann Arbor, Mich., and Chicago.
Although Morrison spent several years as a stay-at-home mom with her now-grown children, she often found herself back in the classroom as a volunteer at her own kids' school. "Being around children would give me so much energy and joy," she reflected. "I knew that was where I belonged and where I needed to be."
Prior to joining the Chava Center in 2022, Morrison spent several years at the Board of Jewish Education Early Childhood Center. Today, she is regarded as a beloved, integral part of the Chava Center's community.
"Most recently, Karen spent countless hours partnering with a family to support their child with challenging behaviors," Hubert said. "She certainly made a difference in the lives of the parents and child through her patience, creativity, and dedication. She is truly a remarkable human."
"It's a joy to hear my 4-year-old daughter exclaim at the end of her winter break, 'I'm excited to go back to school to see Ms. Karen!' said another student's parent.
The award ceremony was held on April 27 at Pinstripes in Northbrook. Nominations for the 2026 award will open in December.
