How many years have you worked with children? Off and on, children of different ages (from toddlers to 5th grade) for 23 years
What brought you to work with children? Have you always wanted to or did it just happen?
Totally just happened. During one summer that I was home from college, I got a job working in a toddler room at a local preschool and really enjoyed it. But it wasn’t for another year or so that I changed my major to elementary education. Even then I was planning to use the classroom as a stepping stone to a master’s degree in counseling. It wasn’t until I got into the elementary classroom during my last couple years of college that I thought maybe teaching was something I could enjoy in and of itself. During the same time, I was teaching a 4-and 5-year-old class at a local preschool and began to realize how important the relationship building aspect of education was. After graduation from college, I taught 5th grade for 4 years before staying
home with my children. It was during those years in the elementary classroom that I began thinking about someday moving out of the classroom and into administration. When my oldest child started preschool, I began subbing in her classroom. Two years later there was an opening to teach the part-time 3-year-old class. After my second year in that position, there was an opening for the Director’s position. This position coincided with the pregnancy of my youngest. Switching from the classroom to the Director’s office allowed the flexibility I needed when he was born. That was over 6 years ago.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love to read and travel and read while traveling. I also enjoy playing games with family and friends, camping, and photography.
What is your most treasured accomplishment?
Raising 3 amazing human beings (still a work in progress!! 😊)
What is your favorite thing about working with children?
Knowing that through them I am touching the future. Seeing a kiddo who has been struggling with something finally have that a-ha moment is absolutely priceless.
What has been the most significant or memorable moment in your job?
Being able to open our classrooms in August of 2020 and create a little slice of normal for our children.
Do you have any dreams or aspirations you want to share?
I guess I dream of being the best I can be at my current role and growing our program into one that is known in our area for being a really high-quality program. To this end, I am currently working on my MS in Early Childhood Services through A-State. I am also working on the professional development needed to reinstate my Arkansas teaching license and am enrolled in the Arkansas Children’s Program Administrator Certificate program
If you are an educator and want to share your story, contact Deborah at deborah@curriculaconcepts.com!
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