Ray Childers PreK

Hello, my name is DeAnna Abee and it is a privilege to be your child’s Pre-K Teacher. I am blessed to have so many wonderful things in my life: family and the love to teach.

I have been married to my husband, Kevin, for 28 years. We have two beautiful daughters, Lauren and Kaitlyn.

I have taught Sunday School for 17 years in grades Kindergarten through 2^nd and I am currently teaching 3^rd through 5^th grade. My husband and I have also been Bible School Directors for 14 years.

I earned my first Bachelor’s degree from Lenoir Rhyne College in May 1991 and I worked as a Social Worker for Burke County Social Services for seven years. Then, I became a stay-at-home mother with my daughters for eight years. I discovered my love for teaching after having my daughters. During this time, I obtained my Bachelor of Elementary Education degree from Lees-McRae College in December 2007. Then, I received my Pre-K from UNC Pembroke. I have enjoyed being a part of the Ray Childers Elementary School family since August 2008 and I have 19 years with the State of North Carolina.

My love for children and the passion to see a child succeed in education is what led me to become a Pre-K Teacher. Pre-Kindergarten significantly impacts a child’s educational foundation, growth, and development. I am thankful and I appreciate the opportunity to teach your child.

Hi! My name is Jessica Thompson and I am so excited to be your child’s Pre-K teacher this school Year!

I would like to introduce myself and tell you a little about me. I am 34 years old and live in Hickory with my husband, Joe and our 2 children; our son JT is 5 years old and our daughter Jenna is 3. I enjoy spending time with my family & friends, watching movies, and reading.

Growing up I lived with my parents and brother in Drexel and attended Drexel Elementary school. As a child, I would play school with my stuffed animals and dolls and would always answer “Teacher’” when asked what do you want to be when you grow up.

I knew at a young age that I wanted to work with children and began babysitting and working with children in my church nursery while I was still in Middle School. While in high school, I took classes in Child Development which allowed me to be dual enrolled at Western Piedmont Community College where I gained my Early Childhood Credentials. After receiving these Credentials my junior year, I begin working my first job at a daycare in Drexel after school and continued to work at the center through my senior year. After graduation, I began my college career at Appalachian State University. While taking classes and completing a variety of internships, I worked at the daycare on campus during the week and came home every Friday & on breaks to work at the afterschool & summer camp program at Drexel Elementary. During the last semester of college, I completed my student teaching at Rutherford College Elementary in their PreK classroom and at Creative Beginnings in the office completing administrative tasks.

After graduating College with a Bachelors of Science: Birth-Kindergarten Degree in December of 2008, I returned home in search of a job. In August of 2009, I was given the opportunity to serve as one of the Pre-K teachers at George Hildebrand Elementary. I continued to teach there for 4 years and was then asked to serve as the Pre-K teacher at Valdese Elementary in August of 2013. When the Pre-K position came available here at Ray Childers, I decided that it was time to move to a school closer home where my son and daughter attended. I have now worked in the Pre-K program in Burke County Public Schools for 11 years and have loved every minute of it!

I am so blessed to be given the opportunity to be part of the Ray Childers School Family and community! I am excited and grateful to be a part of your child's education and success!