I met Carmela Malkin-Kuhn over 25 years ago when our youngest son Eddie was in her Kindergarten class at the JCC. She greeted her students at the door with a smile on her face looking calm and serene.
You’ve heard the saying “I learned everything I need to know in my Kindergarten class”. In her class it was true! Through her motivation, encouragement, and inspiration she inspired our Eddie to have a true enjoyment of mathematics that all began in her class when he was 5 years old.
Dr. Madeline Frank: “Where were you born and where did you grow up? Were your parents’ teachers, did they motivate and inspire you, and do you have any siblings?”
Mrs. Carmela Malkin -Kuhn: “I was born in Brooklyn, New York in the middle of a blizzard in 1956. My parents were not educators; however, they were wonderful storytellers and enjoyed telling us about their childhood, their love story and yes about us.”
Mrs. Malkin-Kuhn: “I have one younger brother who from a very early age was my student.”
“Yes, even in my youngest years I wanted to be a teacher, so my parents purchased a blackboard for me and there I would hold lessons for my brother and his friends, of course, they never listened but I enjoyed being the teacher nevertheless.”
“My mother and father encouraged us to get good educations but to always choose the career path that made us happy.”
Dr. Frank: “What was your favorite subject in elementary, middle, school, and high school?”
Mrs. Malkin-Kuhn: “My favorite subject has always been English/Literature. I was and still am an avid reader.”
Dr. Frank: “Did you have a favorite teacher in middle school, who inspired, encouraged, and motivated you? What was their name and what subject did they teach?
Mrs. Malkin-Kuhn: “In middle school I remember Mr. Mason who was an amazing English teacher, he brought all the books we read to life which nurtured my love of reading. The fact that I still remember his name and lessons is a testament to his teaching style.”
Dr. Frank: “I know you "played the accordion for two years and love music.” Did your parents play musical instruments?”
Mrs. Malkin-Kuhn: “In middle school we were encouraged to play an instrument, so I took up accordion, why? I have absolutely no clue except that my Dad had a friend who played the accordion and it looked easier than piano. I laugh because it sure wasn’t but I remember practicing often and becoming let’s say ok, never really mastering it, but enjoying the fact that I could play a song. Music was always a part of my life growing up. My Dad would love to sing to my mom and play the classics on our record player as well as all the “pop” music of that time. While no one really played musical instruments, music was always in the background growing up and that led to my lifelong enjoyment music. There are times when a classical piece of music allows me to sometimes focus and sometimes be perfectly still.”
Dr. Frank: “What are you passionate about?”
Mrs. Malkin-Kuhn: “I am very passionate about carving out time for my family, my children and grandchildren mean the world to me. After that, it is being a part of early childhood education. Touching the lives of young children has enriched my life enormously. In fact, my good fortune lies in the fact that these tiny humans that entered our school from the age of 2 still seek me out when they are nearby.”
Dr. Frank: “How long have you been a teacher in JCC Preschool and what is your philosophy?”
Mrs. Malkin-Kuhn: “I have been a part of the preschool now for over 25 years and honestly it has been the best. My philosophy has been to look at the whole child in every one of my students and find the key to unlock the mode in which they learn best. There is nothing I can find fault with in any child that has walked through our doors. Each one brings with them a plethora of interest in learning about the world around them. Music certainly is a must in the early childhood classroom, whether it is in the background or actively dancing to music and movement it certainly brings out the best melodies.”
Mrs. Carmela Malkin -Kuhn thank you for being a remarkable teacher who has encouraged, inspired, guided, and mentored students and teachers for over 25 years.
Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, concert artist, and parent. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Business". Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a virtual speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com
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