My kindergarten teacher, Tammy Riche’, inspired me to be a teacher and instilled in me the love of learning. Ever since Kindergarten, I told my mom I was going to be a kindergarten teacher. I enjoyed babysitting, assisting in classes at Camel’s Backstage, teaching summer dance team camp, and working with a young cheer division. I entered the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and received my degree in Early Childhood Education in 2010. Graduating in the fall left few full time job opportunities. I took that time to substitute and experience many different classroom settings. I had the opportunity to work in a Special Education Pre-Kindergarten class at Herod Elementary. I fell in love with my students and knew my heart held a special place for lower elementary students. I taught Kindergarten for two years at Herod Elementary. I have been teaching pre-kindergarten at FIEB since 2013. I am currently in my fifth year of teaching.
My most fulfilling duty is that of a mother. I have been blessed with a wonderful, lively, entertaining 3 year old, Elijiah. He keeps me on my toes, keeps me laughing, drives me insane, and keeps me smiling. He keeps me busy, but I make time to serve on the Dream Team at Our Savior’s Church. I give my time to the Children’s Church. Ilead a 1st grade small group during service and communicate the lesson once a month. I am also part of OSC Kids’ Lead Team, leading other small group leaders and training them to better communicate with the students.
It is a privilege to teach Pre-Kindergarten at Forked Island E. Broussard. It feels like home. I am always so humbled to have parents so willing to trust me and place their precious little treasures in my hands for an entire year. Pre-kindergarten is such an imperative part of their education. I have the honor of setting the foundation for the rest of their school career. There is so much more than just ABC’s, counting to 10, and nap time going on in my classroom. They learn to love learning, to ask questions, and to seek the answers to their questions. Curiosity and creativity are encouraged. They are taught to be responsible, respectful, and to make wise choices. They are taught to work together and to encourage one another. Boundaries are set with an abundance of love and they are taught to respect those boundaries.
I believe in praising hard work and persistence. I believe in finding each child’s talent and helping each child rise to their highest potential. I believe in each child knowing they are valuable and treasured. I believe in empowering, not only the students, but the parents as well. I believe in making a difference in that one child. I believe that if we all embraced our power to make a difference we could raise a completely different generation and create a better future.