I am originally from Royal Oak, Michigan.  I attended the University of Michigan for my undergraduate degree.  When I graduated I moved to California and started my teaching career in Oakland.   The rest is history -- I have been teaching for 12 years total and love my job.   

I have always enjoyed working with children and playing school -- both of my parents are teachers so there were always plenty of supplies and props around our house.  When I was 13 I started my own babysitting business.  A couple of years later I started teaching swim lessons at my local YMCA.  I have always been fascinated by how people grow and change over time.   

In this pathway we will first learn how children grow and develop.  After the first year of coursework we will dive deeper into early childhood education and learn about all of the things that go into creating a thriving, happy preschool or daycare.  

I look forward to having you in class! -- Mrs. Smith