Teaching Statement
Preschool is often the first time children are away from their parents and primary caregivers. First and foremost, students and families need to feel safe with and supported by their teachers and classroom community. Once that security is established, it is so wonderful to see the confidence, creativity, and friendships blossom. Early childhood education is the perfect setting to use all forms of art to teach pre-literacy, pre-math, fine motor, gross motor and social skills. Though art projects might seem simple to most, there is so much growth that comes out of them. Cutting and coloring with crayons strengthens hands for writing. New vocabulary is learned through describing colors, textures, shapes, and materials and by singing songs. Learning shapes, patterns, and counting and sorting out materials are all pre math skills. Dancing is great for gross motor development and a fun way for kids to creatively express themselves all while having a great time. In all forms of art, children are learning to follow directions, take turns, give and receive respectful feedback, and gain self confidence and pride.
Teaching Bio
Kate graduated from Simmons College with a BA in Art History. After pursuing Interior Design and working at Lewis Interiors and Ralph Lauren Home for five years post college, Kate was given the opportunity to teach at Spruce Street Nursery School, a preschool in the heart of Boston. Tired of the competitive and unfulfilling nature of her current industry, she decided to give teaching a try. She was instantly drawn to the compassionate, creative and fulfilling work community of Spruce Street and worked there for four years as an assistant in all four classrooms and eventually as a PreK teacher. Committed to pursuing a career in education, Kate attended Simmons College School of Education and graduated with an M.Ed in Elementary Education in the Spring of 2013. She completed her student teaching in a third grade classroom in Brookline Public Schools and upon graduating, started teaching Kindergarten at Kingsley Montessori in Boston. While Kingsley offers Montessori Education, Kate worked in a unique classroom where traditional education was integrated with Montessori education to prepare incoming Kindergarteners for Elementary school. Kate loved collaborating with her co teacher, a full trained Montessori educator, to create creative, practical and challenging curriculum and activities. After three years and Kingsley, Kate left in 2017 when her daughter was born and stayed home to raise her two children, Annie and Charlie Her family lived in Charlestown, Ma and moved to Hingham in 2020 just in time for her oldest to start Kindergarten. Ready to ease back into education, Kate substitute taught at Plymouth River School, where her children attend, for two years before joining South Shore Conservatory in 2024. The nurturing, creative and communal aspects of teaching preschool bring her much joy!