Ruth Adler, 1st Grade Teacher (Mrs. Adler)

Ruth Adler grew up in Los Angeles, California and achieved her Bachelor of Art from UCLA. Thereafter, she moved to New York City to attend Hunter College and received a Master of Science in Education. Before starting her twenty-year career at BYDS, she was an educator in the New York City Public School system and at Forest Hills Montessori. Furthermore, she was the Youth Director for three years at Machane Chodosh Synagogue in Forest Hills, New York. After years of living in New York, she migrated south to Houston with her husband and three sons. She has been a 1st Grade teacher at Beth Yeshurun since 2000 and has a strong dedication to the growth and vitality of this institution. Mrs. Adler has four grandchildren and two daughters-in-law. During her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, swimming, traveling, and reading. She enjoys working with children and helping them achieve their dreams through their education. She believes every child should be valued and treated with respect. An education should empower a child and help him or her make a positive contribution to our world.

Lauren Sorkin, 1st Grade Teacher (Mrs. Sorkin)

Mrs. Sorkin was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in reading. Hook ‘em Horns! Lauren taught first grade for four years in the Spring Branch Independent School District and two years at Beth Yeshurun Day School. She and her husband, Elliot, have three boys: Brandon (12), Jordan (9) and Drew (6). She took some time off teaching to stay home with her boys. The past four and a half years she has been a Primary Montessori Teacher at Goldberg Montessori School. Mrs. Sorkin is very excited about returning to BYDS and joining Mrs. Adler on the 1st grade team this year. She is looking forward to a wonderful experience with the faculty, parents, and children at BYDS. She loves working with children to instill a love of lifelong learning. There is nothing more exciting than watching a child discover something new! “I am so excited to return to BYDS. I can’t wait to meet all of you and your children. I look forward to teaching in such a warm, nurturing environment.”