b'FACULTY like a successful student for the first time and I began to see teachers as a resource FOCUSto knowledge. She took the time to get to know me, see me, and accept me for who I was as a learner. This takes a passion for teaching and a commitment EMILEE TRANSOU to the field of education. I still have very fond memories of her today and when I occasionally see her,I always make time Early Childhood Department Chair,for a quick hug!Bitty Bengals teacher How do you live out the mission of the GDS?I believe as teachers, we are helping Tell us a little about yourself to shape children into constructive education, career, time at GDS. contributors to the world. Our job is to I received my undergraduate degreehelp them be good, kind people and Early in Early Childhood Education withChildhood is where this all begins!a BS degree in Human DevelopmentHow do you show your GDS spirit?and Family Studies with a focus onme a greater sense of ownership over the Birth through Kindergarten at UNCGcurriculum development process andI like to show my spirit by cheering and went on to receive my Masters inamplifies my motivation to excel. Youon the MS Basketball team that my Education after realizing my interest insimply dont have these freedoms outsidedaughter is a part of this year! Its my working with young children as well asof independent schools.first experience with GDS athletics and college students. I worked at UNCGsWhy is early childhood educationit has been fun to cheer on the Bengals!Child Care Education Program forimportant? I also like to dress up on spirit days 12 years before coming to GDS. I amand participate in family fun outings at currently in my 9th year. I continue toEarly Childhood is important because itschool.work as an instructor at UNCG helpingsets the stage for how young children feelTell us about your family.students learn more about preschoolabout school. Often, Early Childhood children, curriculum, and researchclassrooms are a childs first experience inMy husband Stamps and I have been trends. My nine years at GDS have beena formal school setting with a providermarried for 14 years. We have two filled with numerous opportunities foror teacher who is not a family member. children together. Rebecca (10) is in 5th professional growth. As Early ChildhoodChildren learn about trust, rules, routines,grade and Cameron (6) is in 1st grade. I Department Chair, Ive been given thecooperation, respect, turn-taking, triallove having our children at school with privilege to mentor teachers and expandand error, and friendships. It is wonderfulme each day!the scope of GDSs early childhoodto be a part of this newfound experience. educational offerings for our GDSChildren expand their thinking so quicklyWhat hobbies do you enjoy?community. in the early years and its great to see themWe enjoy spending time coaching our Why do you believe in independentgrow leaps and bounds in just a shortchildrens recreational soccer teams, schools? amount of time. Setting a positive tonemountain biking, camping, and trips to in the minds of young children lays thethe lake.I love the flexibility and creativity tofoundation for success in these formative develop age-appropriate curriculum foryears and beyond. Whats a good book youve young children. Flexibility gives our staffrecently read?the ability to shift our curriculum to bestWhat is your favorite school meet the specific needs and circumstancesmemory? As a student or aNo Drama Discipline and The Whole of our learners while enhancing theirteacher? Brain Childknowledge of important concepts. TheI remember my 1st grade teacher working creative freedom Im afforded provideswith me and teaching me to read. I felt 30 | Winter 2019'