Meet the Teachers

Our teachers are the backbone of the co-op and one of the main reasons your child's experience at the preschool will be so special. All the co-op teachers have years of experience teaching young children. Their dedication to professional development allows for a constantly improving curriculum that focuses on their student's needs and a dynamic classroom environment. Their warm and caring demeanor instantly puts children and parents at ease and makes early school experiences an exciting and stress-free process.

 

  • Teacher of the 4/5's Classes

    We hit the jackpot when "Miss Joan" joined us at The Co-op back in 2007. She boasts over 40 valuable years of preschool teaching experience and was awarded Licking County's Early Childhood Educator of the Year in 2001. Joan has a degree in Child Development from Lima Technical College/The Ohio State University and is a member of the Ohio and National Associations of the Education of Young Children.

    "We could not have asked for a better preschool teacher for our kids than Miss Joan. She provides a kind, accepting and respectful environment for children to thrive in. Our kids did not speak any English when they enrolled, and Miss Joan has worked so wonderfully with our family during that time, in making sure we (the parents) and our kids were comfortable and understood. Our kids never felt different than their peers, and Miss Joan always supported us in keeping up with a second language. The transition to elementary school was very easy and our kids were well prepared for kindergarten. We highly recommend the GPCP!"

    --Cecile and Jordan Katz

    "My son has had the privilege of having Miss Joan for the past two years, and I have had the privilege of being in the classroom to watch her teach. Miss Joan provides an environment where kids can become active problem-solvers and where they can apply their thinking to the world around them. She enables the children to develop problem-solving skills through play, talk, and interaction. Students are also provided authentic opportunities for learning with a play-based approach. Through these opportunities, they acquire language and deepen their understanding of numeracy concepts. As a kindergarten teacher, I believe learning through play is highly beneficial for preschool-aged students. Learning through play provides the children an opportunity to establish their own internal motivation for behaving appropriately. Miss Joan's engaging, personalized, and integrated teaching allows students to think, create, explore, investigate, and share. Her classroom prepares students to develop the knowledge, skills, and perspectives they need to enter kindergarten."

    ​--Mariah Gibbs

  • Teacher of 2' s Classes

    "Miss Christina" is our beloved 2's teacher and is no stranger to all things Co-op. With over 25 years of preschool teaching experience, Christina joined our staff in 2014. She served on the Board while her three children attended Co-op programs, including a stretch as Board President in 2008-2009. Christina has experience at other parent co-op preschools, and her background also includes teaching little ones with special needs.

    "How lucky we were that our son's very first teacher was someone as special as Miss Christina. When he walked in for his first day, as a shy two-year-old in a strange place among unknown children, he was understandably shy and quiet. But Miss Christina's unique warmth, approachability, and sincere interest in each child was immediately apparent, and she coaxed out their best and brightest selves. As the weeks and months went on, lightbulbs of learning went off, classmates became friends, and school became the highlight of the week. At the center of it all was Christina, beloved by children and parents alike. We will always treasure the role she played at the crucial beginning of our son's education."

    --Kim Byce and Trent Beers

    "Miss Christina's personal strengths are her effective communication style with children and parents, her knowledge of child development, and her many years of experience as an educator. She is attentive to her young students and understands that all children need room to grow and explore. She meets them where they are and appreciates each child's individual strengths while supporting their needs."

    ​--Ceciel Shaw

  • Teacher of the 3’s and Multi-Age Classes

    “Miss Melissa” is excited to be joining the Granville Parent Co-op Preschool Family! She has 2 kiddos, along with 2 dogs and 4 chickens. She grew up in Granville and graduated from GHS in 2004, She has a degree in Early Childhood Development and currently continuing her education in Early Childhood Education. She has worked in early childhood education for over 7 years, and looks forward to getting to know all of you and your families.

    "Take Changes, make mistakes, get messy!"-Melissa