[Chely Ayres]

I had an early childhood teacher who didn’t like me because I couldn’t be potty trained and in turned she got me kicked out of the school my parents were trying to have me attend but I do not know that anything happened to that teacher.

[Stephanie Staheli]

My brother one time went to the doctor’s office and had to get multiple shots (vaccinations). The doctor was not very patient with him and he was scared and did not receive much assurance that it will be okay. After that doctor’s appointment he has forever been scared of needles and especially shots at the doctor.

[Kassandra Katchuk]

During my own childhood I have a great memory of my family and I watching the Harry Potter movies and to this day I am still fond of them as they had a huge impact on my childhood. Thinking about the movies and time spent with family will always be a positive thought for me.

[Trainer]

Kassandra, your reflection beautifully highlights how positive family experiences can shape our lifelong memories and preferences. Great insight!

[Renee]

I took care of a child and got to know them at there level and with in a mounth he was doing things with the other kids he had sensory issues and with in a couple weeks we worked our way into touching things

[Trainer]

Great example, Renee! Your hands-on experience highlights the importance of understanding and supporting children’s individual needs in early development.

[brandon hunt]

we have a little in our daycare that is very shy. Likes to play on their own and loves and finds comfort in watching from the sidelines. We try and stay low, just out of reach doing fun things in hopes they choose to join. In most cases they do. Depends on the day and their mood.

[Trainer]

Brandon, your observation highlights the importance of fostering a supportive environment. It’s great to see you recognizing and respecting the child’s comfort levels!

[Devin Bannon]

Before being diagnosed as a colorblind person, I remember being punished as a child in preschool for getting colors “wrong”. Then, in elementary school, I had unexpected trouble with math when color-related questions were asked. Until we discovered the issue, my family and I did not understand why I was having trouble or receiving negative feedback. As a child, I just felt that I was wrong. Now, as an educator, I look out for this in children and try to make sure I do not make the same mistakes.

[Tara]

In my own preschool years I had the opportunity to take part in Head Start. My mother and father were very involved in the classroom. I still have many fond memories of activities that we did as a class like making applesauce, using a refrigerator box to be a “school bus” for role playing, and doing shadow puppets. Those are still activities that I use in my own centers.

[Mary Beth Nagy]

I believe that my son had a very good preschool experience becasue of an assistant teacher in his 3 year old classroom. She was always smiling! She said Good Morning and Goodbye to each child and their family. He always talked about her even more than he talked about his head teacher. Many years later he has mentioned how much she meant to him!

[Zeinab]

My friend was a preschooler, and he had a teacher who made school a place of fear rather than joy. She was not supportive or patient. Instead of guiding him, she often yelled at him for small mistakes. But as he grew up, that difficult experience stayed with him and slowly began to shape his purpose. When he decided to become a preschool teacher. He made a promise, and he would do the exact opposite of what he had experienced. Today, he creates a classroom filled with warmth, patience, and encouragement. He believes that every child deserves to feel safe and loved while learning.

[Trainer]

Zeinab, your friend’s transformation into a supportive teacher is inspiring! It beautifully illustrates how negative experiences can drive positive change in education.

[helana]

I had a great, happy, energetic, strong relationship with my kindergarten teacher and remember so much from then. I feel she was the one who inspired me to be a teacher too.

[Trainer]

Helena, that’s a beautiful example! Your positive relationship with your teacher highlights the lasting impact educators can have on students.

[maya]

when I was younger I was really sick and was in and out of the hospital and missed a lot of school, the teachers who were at first understanding, turned into a nightmare because they assumed i was faking everything.

[Trainer]

Maya, your experience highlights the crucial role empathy plays in education. It’s vital for teachers to support all students.

[Tammy]

When I was in 5th grade I had a teacher shake me by the shoulders when I didn’t hear him call my name. I was very shy and it made it worse when it came to communicating with my teachers. I would avoid talking to them if at all possible, clear through high school.

[Trainer]

Tammy, thank you for sharing your experience. It’s important to recognize how impactful teacher behavior can be on a child’s confidence.

[Laura Kirby]

My son was ill as a child. Luckily for us teachers in our school district we’re always supportive and helpful

[Veronica]

Life was very difficult for me as a child. I was a first born and had to always make sure I was the example to my sibblings. I was always the one caring for them as my mothers help. I didn’t grow up feeling happy and experience anxiety and sadness. I had a grandmother in my life that always showed my love and happiness. Her care and love helped me be the person I am today. I care for people and want what is best for everyone but at the same time I tend to care for myself. I have learned to do just that as I have grown and raised my own children. They are happy and well rounded humans, but at the same time they have grown to develop some of my anxiety which I feel have learned to handle themselves because of my husband and I giving them love and happiness.

[Sara Gerard]

I had a Kindergarten teacher name Ms. Gannon. She was so nice and friendly. She always had a smile on and took the time to listen to me no matter how long I talked for. This was 39 years ago and I still think of her fondly. It is actually one of the reasons I wanted to be a babysitter and be in the field of education.

[Trainer]

Sara, your reflection beautifully illustrates the lasting impact of caring educators. Ms. Gannon clearly inspired your passion for teaching!