You can teach a student a lesson for the day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.
	Clay B. Bedford

Welcome to my personal teaching philosophy page. I have enjoyed teaching at the Westminster College Preschool Lab for the past twenty two years and have worked in the field of Early Childhood since 1984.

As an early childhood educator, I recognize and emphasize the development of the whole child. By providing for children's socio-emotional, physical, cognitive and language development needs, a positive, age appropriate learning environment is created. Children learn exceptionally well when in an environment that encourages play and exploration. My curriculum is planned according to the children's interests and needs. Activities that are appropriate for one group of children may not be appropriate for another. By offering developmentally appropriate learning experiences, children play and learn at the same time.

Some of my professional memberships/duties include:

• Jameson Hospital Board of Directors; Lawrence County Children’s Advocacy Center
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
• Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC)
• Lawrence County Community Action Partnership Early Learning Task Force (LCCAP)
• Pennsylvania Pathways Certified Trainer
• Pennsylvania Department of Education Teaching Certificate

On a more personal note... I have been blessed with a loving husband and two wonderful children who never cease to amaze me. I am the varsity women's assistant golf coach at Westminster College and am active in my church, having served as both Elder and Deacon. I absolutely love to read, play golf, and ski.