With almost 40 years as an educator under her belt, Judy Markell lives and breathes the philosophy of educating the individual. Originally from Washington, D.C., Judy has always had a deep love for science, art, and the environment. After getting married, she embarked on a scientific journey with a think tank in La Jolla, California. However, her life took a turn when she became a mother, leading her to focus on early childhood education. Judy earned an ECE degree and her students affectionately call her "Morah Judy." She and her family made their home in San Diego, where they cared for a menagerie of fascinating animals, including horses, chickens, and reptiles! Following a period in Chicago, Judy's family settled in Florida, where she passionately taught at Toras Emes for 13 years and at MTA for 5.
Judy has always had an inclusive classroom, warmly welcoming children with special needs, and helping them to advance academically and socially. She sees the incredible potential in each of her students, and they rise to the challenge, accomplishing amazing things!
Beyond traditional teaching, Judy's enthusiasm extends to woodworking and setting up Makerspaces, creative learning centers that nurture students’ creativity. She's a committed learner herself, constantly updating her teaching knowledge. When she's not in the classroom, you can find Judy enjoying hobbies like puppeteering, racing her pet sighthounds, and, of course, cherishing moments with her wonderful family.
