I feel so lucky that a teaching position opened up and has allowed me to return to NCCL! I had always hoped that I would be able to come back when my children were school age. (They were put on the NCCL list soon after they were born!) I was most recently the Director and Head Teacher at the Eyman Children Center where my kids had attended preschool.
I was first introduced to NCCL when I was working as a teacher at the University of Delaware “Computers as Partners Project “ in the summer of 1992. I was responsible for designing and implementing creative activities to teach basic computer skills and foster positive attitudes towards technology with young children. Some of the children enrolled in the summer camp also went to NCCL. Apparently, some of their parents had been watching me teach through the observation booth and they thought my style of teaching was a good fit for NCCL. They approached me after camp that day and told me all about the school. They encouraged me to visit and possibly apply for the teaching position that was available at that time. I had never heard of the school before but I thought the philosophy was fabulous and so I decided to go take a look for myself.
I’ll never forget the first time I walked into NCCL. I found the school itself fascinating! There was an aquarium set up by the front door, filled with fish the children had netted on a recent field trip. A still life art project was on display and writing samples were everywhere! It was interesting and exciting and very obviously child-centered! This was also the day that I first met Ann Brown. Ann showed me around the school and we talked about the ways we both felt children learned best. She told me the history of the school and why NCCL was founded. I truly felt like my teaching style, philosophy and love of learning was a perfect match for NCCL and I could not wait to apply for the job! I had my interview with the staff and several parents and was hired to team teach with Ann! I taught Group 1 with Ann Brown for five terrific years.
I stopped teaching at NCCL the day (literally) that I gave birth to my son. I had been a walking science experiment for nine months. The children were so interested to learn about what was happening to me, and the baby growing inside me. We read pamphlets, books and magazines showing the different stages of development the baby was going through. The kids were eager to learn things like: when the baby could hear, recognize my voice and suck his thumb. It was a great experience for us all!
Now, my husband and I, have two children, ages 7 and 5. Being a mother for 7 years has certainly been the most rewarding and challenging job I have ever had. I feel the experience I’ve had as a mother has enriched my life and made me even more dedicated and passionate about teaching. I am delighted to be teaching this year (2004-2005) again at NCCL!