SOUTHBURY — Elaine Beitman from William and Audrey Walzer Alef Bet Preschool is the 2016 winner of the The Grinspoon Jewish Educators’ Award. The award is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation to recognize local teachers who make a lasting impact on the lives of Jewish children, and contribute to excellence in Jewish education.

Beitman has been with the William and Audrey Walzer Alef Bet Preschool for 32 years, creating educational programs and expanding the program to include enrichment classes, the Mom and Tots and Babies and Bagels programs, and the Nature Camp summer experiences.

Beitman, who will retire in July, was recently surprised with the Educators’ Award at her retirement party, attended by many of her former students.

The North American Grinspoon Awards for Excellence in Jewish Education have recognized over 700 outstanding educators in the U.S. and Canada in the past 15 years.