Kindergarten Teacher

There are many factors that influenced my decision to become a teacher. I always loved school. Learning to read was an easy task for me and something I enjoyed. I was the child who begged to go to school even when I was sick. Learning, literacy, dancing, and theatre have always been my passions. I also loved spending time with my mother in the special education class where she was a paraprofessional. I loved helping the students and was even able to join them at a Special Olympics event. This all led me to major in Elementary Education with a minor in theatre performance at Castleton State College in Vermont. My mother's Ovarian cancer diagnosis during my junior year in college caused my plans to pivot. I transferred to a college closer to home, but unfortunately my education credits were not recognized. When I graduated from Stockton College with a theatre performance degree instead of a degree in Education, I wondered if I would still be able to become a teacher. I wanted to incorporate my love of working with children with my love of performing. It was serendipitous when I discovered that the Elizabeth Public Schools, where I attended elementary school, had an alternate route program that I was eligible for. I love that I ended up becoming a kindergarten teacher. My students and I laugh, play, sing, dance, and learn together all day long.

I believe that I am an outstanding teacher because teaching is not just something I do, but rather it is a part of who I am. I am proud to be a kindergarten teacher. I give my students the foundational skills they need while teaching them to persevere, believe in themselves, and develop a love of learning. I encourage my students to take risks and not to fear failure. I work hard to cultivate a sense of community in my classroom. We are a family, and that continues long after students leave my class. Each day we state our positive affirmations before we start our lessons. I want my students to remember that they are all strong, talented, smart, and special. While I am responsible for teaching my students the curriculum, I am ultimately preparing them to become citizens of our diverse world. I believe that education is all about mirrors and windows. I strive for my students to see themselves and their cultures reflected in our classroom. I also invite them to look out the window and show them all that the world has to offer. I love incorporating student interests, food, singing and dancing throughout my lessons to make student learning more authentic. When you enter my classroom, you will hear children talking, music playing, and see children engaging with each other while learning. My classroom is an inviting space where students of all backgrounds and abilities feel welcomed.

Classroom Assistant – Kindergarten

From childhood, I interacted with children by teaching, singing, and playing. As I grew up, I worked with my neighborhood to form groups for kids to demonstrate their talents and creativity. This experience influenced my decision to become a professional working with children. 
My job is to collaborate with teachers and help their classroom instruction go smoothly while keeping students safe and comfortable. I help reinforce their learning and carry out my responsibilities with love.