Learn More About the Teachers in Our Jewish School
MEET OUR DEDICATED EDUCATORS
ALYSSA PESSAROFF KISCHEL - RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DIRECTOR
I have been working in Education for 20 years, in formal and informal educational settings. I worked in an after-school program in Lincoln, MA for 10 years, was the Peabody Senior USY Advisor for 5 years, was a Paraprofessional at the Lincoln Preschool for 3 years, was a private nanny for 2.5 years, and worked at the Peabody JCC as an Infant/Toddler teacher for the last 9 years. In 2023, I graduated from Hebrew College, earning my master’s in Jewish education.
This past August, I started a new journey as the Assistant Director at the Congregation Shirat Hayam Center for Early Education. I have been working in the Temple Ner Tamid religious school since we reopened in 2018 as the Assistant Director and Hebrew/tefilah teacher for the students in grades 2-7. I am super excited to be the director of the religious school and I am honored to be a part of something so special to an amazing community.
Growing up as the daughter of Cantor Sam Pessaroff (z”l), his passion for the Jewish religion and teaching the youth left a long-lasting impression. With my own passion for Judaism and teaching, I love to share my knowledge and experiences with today’s youth. I have a great understanding of children of all ages and needs. With my creativity and energy, I like to bring fun and games to myher teaching, as well as making learning personal and meaningful.
In my free time, which is very rare, I enjoy relaxing while watching TV and movies (good or bad), Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream, and watching the Celtics and Patriots! I also love Haribo gummies, the color purple, and I live with my husband, Mike, and our Golden Retriever, Gracie Mae.
Contact: RSdirectortnt@gmail.com
Jocelyn Zimmerman
Hi! My name is Jocelyn Zimmerman and I am so excited to be a part of the TNT religious school! As a member of Temple Ner Tamid since I was born, I have attended Hebrew school here many years ago and then went to the Epstein Hillel School, formerly known as Cohen Hillel Academy. One of my favorite things about TNT is being able to put my passion of working with young children to use at all times! I remember attending temple services as a child and slowly migrating my way to Jr. Congregation services to help out with the younger children.
I knew I had a passion for working with young children for as long as I can remember! I am a fellow “Brokie”, where I attended Camp Pembroke as a camper for 7 summers, became a CA and traveled to Israel for 5 weeks and then became a counselor for 3 summers. Aside from spending time with my friends and family and shopping, you can find me at “work”! I say “work” because it’s not actually work for me.
I love what I do and wouldn’t change it for the world! I have been working at a childcare center since I was a senior in high school. I teach infants, toddlers and preschoolers. But spend most of my time as a classroom teacher for preschoolers. My favorite part of my job is seeing them grow and develop over time especially those infants who then I see graduate Pre-K when they are about 5 years old!
I graduated from Southern New Hampshire University in the spring of 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education focusing on Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education. While at school in New Hampshire I was been a Hebrew school teacher for children ages 3-5 and have been a part of the TNT religious school since 2020. I have loved all of these opportunities and am so excited to teach all of your children so close to home!
Contact: jocelynzimmerman2498@gmail.com