The Little Critter Academy

Early Childhood Education - Preschool (4 years student teaching) 1st & 2nd Grade (1 year student teaching) Kindergarten (5 formal years)

Classical, Traditional, Developmentally Appropriate, Efficient, Effective, Simple, No-Frills or Distractions, Focused

All teachers deserve awards, as we are all overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated -- we wouldn't be here if we weren't now would we? Honors and awards to me mean memorable moments or shining moments. Moments that really touched our hearts or those of our children's and parents'. These moments aren't always as easily recognizable as people may think nor may come to fruition right on the spot; they more so accumulate over time as there are so many moments of excitement, pride, and joy with your students that are reflections of your teaching and influence. For me, it's the hugs and visits on the first day of the new school year. When previous students stop by for those bashful moments of hesitation by your door as they wait for a bit of encouragement, reassurance, comfort -- from last year's teacher telling them how much they missed them over the summer and that everything will be alright in their new classroom and that you'll be right across the hall. These are my favorite moments, the moments that tell me I did my job in creating a safe, welcoming, and loving environment of trust for my students. Those are the moments that shine brightest in my mind. These are my award-winning moments.

Hillsdale College, MI Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History Early Childhood Education Minor First and Second Grade Apprenticeship Preschool Directed Teaching Preschool Director Courses

A new mommy of one who wants to be helpful! How did Little Critter Academy TPT come to be you ask? This TPT store began during maternity leave to help overcome my postpartum depression. Something completely new to me and something that hit like a ton of bricks. The Little Critter Academy started as something to keep my mind off the pain of my unexpected cesarean; something to keep my mind off the fact I was pretty much bedridden for weeks relying heavily on others to help care for the home, husband, myself and now beautiful baby boy As a teacher team leader of five other teachers, it was a humbling experience and TPT gave me a sense of control over my current (albeit temporary) reality. Little did I know it would become something bigger than just an outlet as I found other teachers felt the same as I when it came to their teaching experiences. What teaching experiences you ask? Over the years I frequently arrived at similar conclusions about curriculum: teacher resources were thin, not always mindful of what was developmentally appropriate, or didn't suit the differing needs of the class . . . Many times, the pieces I needed were not provided within the programs. Frustrated, I did what the majority of teachers are forced to do --> spend hundreds of personal hours creating my own. Does this sound like you? That's what I mean about experiences -- frustration and exhaustion when all you want to do is give your students the best. If this sounds like you, (you're here on TPT so you must at some level!) take a peek at my store if you too are frustrated with the materials provided or not provided by your school and you don't have time to create them yourself. (We all do it, but honestly what teacher actually does without infringing on their own personal time?)