[Margaret Ann Johnson]

The first part of my son’s pre-school was great, then he had gotten very ill and was in the hospital for a week. He missed 2-3 weeks of school due to the illness. When he returned, the teachers did not welcome him back, yelled at him for not keeping up, even after I explained to them repeatedly what the illness was, and he had to take his time and re-learn certain things. So his school experience from elementary all through high school was not a great one, and trust does not come easy to him.

[Julie Metcalf]

I totally agree that the mood you come in with everyday will be the attitude that you students will pick up on and will determined their all day attitude. The welcoming is the most important and even interacting with the parent at drop off is important for everyone it help show the parent that you show acknowledgment of them and the student. Also allowing the parent to trust you as their child’s teacher.

[AN]

I had a teacher who was kind, funny, and incredibly helpful, and she inspired me in so many ways. She made learning enjoyable and always went out of her way to make every student feel valued and supported. Because of her, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others too, which is why I decided to become a teacher. Her example continues to motivate me to bring that same kindness, humor, and dedication into my own teaching.

[Jessica Bauman]

For myself I had a poor experience as a young child. I remember being scolded by a teacher for having an accident. I remember the teacher had a couple kids standing in the doorway and she was using me as an example of what not to do and it stuck with me, the disappointment I felt I had caused and the embarrassment that went along with the situation. I became disappointed in myself as well.

[Syndi]

My early childhood experience that had a significant impact on me was both good and not so good. I had two very different preschool experiences. First part of the year was not so great – teacher was a bit gruff and rarely laughed with us. She would smile but not very often. She was pretty strict and expected more from us than we were able to give her. The second part of the year, we moved and the new teacher was so warm and friendly. She smiled and laughed often, provided a loving environment while applying guidance in a positive and gentle way. Both experiences impacted me in different ways.

[Beth]

My experience as a Great Starts assistant taught me which age range I could impact the most. It has served me weel, landing me in an infant room that I feel is a perfect match.

[Beth]

I have had experience in many rooms, all ages, some good and not. I have found babies to be my love. It takes trial ans all situations to find your fit

[Katherine]

My partner was physically and verbally abuse for the majority of his childhood. Even to this day he can hear his abusers rules and hurtful statements rattling through his head. He often struggles with recognizing his own potential or capacity due to self doubt instilled in him from a young age.

[Barb]

I had a boy who was not well liked. He didn’t join activities willingly. I started giving him regular pats on the shoulder and touching his arm as I walked by him. He quickly started wanting my touch and then gravitating towards gentle touches to others. Eventually, he became friends with his classmates and was a sought-after playmate.

[Lynn Ferrier]

My adult nephew still struggles with the “yelling/put down/negative” environment he grew up in. He spent a year with my family while he was in high school and it took almost the entire year for him to realize that raised voices didn’t have to occur when he did something “wrong”. It took almost the entire year for him to realize that we had expectations for him to live up to and not down to; for example, he was failing in all his classes at his home but expected/helped him to do better and he did! Sadly, he still struggles with the negative attitude during his growing years

[N/A]

no not really.

[kim]

I had a teach that was always positive and happy regardless of the situation. she made everyone feel important and welcomed, she made a difference in our lives. i believe she is the reason i wanted to become a teacher.

[Rachel]

One of my students one year was a very energetic, outgoing child. She ended up in the hospital for an extended period of time. The change in her after she came back was dramatic. She was withdrawn, cried easier, and just over all less happy. It impacted her until the end of the school year. I’ve always wondered how she did after she left the program.

[Teresa Owens]

i grew up mostly with my grandparents my father was drunk and not very nice

i was small and teased at school i didn’t do well in school no one seemed to care so when i grew up i decided i would do everything i could to make every child feel important and cared about

[Maria]

I can think of when my kids lost their father at age 3 and 5 in a tragic way. It was not the same from then on. Trying to explain to them he was not coming back was very sad.

Although, they loved him very much, they have little recollection of ever living with him. My daughter is angry at him. My son could have really benefited from having a father in many ways. That experience has impacted both of them very much.