Four Exceptional Teachers Honored with System’s Highest Accolade during National Teacher Appreciation Week FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (May 9, 2019) – Teachers are the foundation of a child’s learning experience at The Goddard School, a nationally recognized play-based preschool franchise.
To celebrate and honor Goddard School teachers for their dedication and passion for educating children, Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), the franchisor of The Goddard School®, presented awards to outstanding educators in four states.
Each year for the past thirteen years, GSI has recognized The Goddard School’s most dedicated, passionate and involved preschool teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week and presented the winners with commemorative plaques to celebrate their commitment to early childhood education.
This year’s impressive teachers worked on developing handwritten and illustrated picture books to suit the needs of toddlers; modifying an electronic scheduling system to track infants’ routines; developing partnerships with local hospitals, nurseries and farmers to improve enrollment and classroom experiences; and creating preschooler-friendly sensory gardens.
“Goddard Schools strive to cultivate an environment where teachers and students can thrive. Few things are more rewarding than seeing faculty members passionately engaged with their classrooms and watching their students' faces light up,” says Dr. Craig Bach, vice president of education at GSI. “Each year, it is an honor to shine a bright light on these wonderful educators. Goddard could not be more grateful for them.”
The Goddard School is proud to honor the following teachers:
Rachael Kelly – Anderson Township, OH
Rachael Kelly of The Goddard School located in Anderson Township, OH, demonstrates the grace and strategy of a born leader. As the lead teacher of the infant classroom, Rachael has created a plan to address the unique challenges of her classroom and balance the children’s schedules, which include napping, feeding and changing times, while creating a calm learning environment. Rachael independently created a feeding chart that leaves no room for error, learned to manage the electronic daily system to establish routines and rearranged the room to help the children explore and learn independently. Rachael also helped promote her School’s infant program at the nearby Anderson Mercy Hospital. Rachael’s ability to establish professional relationships has allowed her School to become a resource for new parents in the delivery unit.
Marissa Calhoun – Wyomissing, PA
At The Goddard School located in Wyomissing, PA, first steps teacher Marissa Calhoun wrote three children’s books for her class. Marissa knows that children learn the most when their ever-changing needs are met. She recognized a problem with many of the books used in her lesson plans: some books were too long for toddlers’ short attention spans and too simple for them. Marissa created pictures books with the right lengths and complexities for her class of toddlers. The books were based on the class’s favorite science, technology, art, engineering and math (STEAM) topics, and she uses them in her personalized curriculum.
Erin Reynolds – Auburn, MA
Erin Reynolds, a lead teacher of the toddler room at The Goddard School located in Auburn, MA, is known for her exceptional talents both inside and outside the classroom. A nurturing, passionate and creative teacher, Erin is currently transforming the School’s outdoor area into a sensory garden to help expand the children’s learning experiences. Erin’s project includes a sound garden, musical instruments and transparent planters to encourage students to take a hands-on approach to exploring nature. Erin’s commitment is further demonstrated by her partnerships with local nurseries and farmers, who have donated plants and mini-lessons for the children. Later this spring, the parents, caretakers and extended family members of the children will be invited to plant vegetables and flowers in the School’s new garden. Summer campers will reap the benefits by watering, picking and eating the fresh produce with the help of a local farmer!
Kim Peterson - Schwenksville, PA
The lead teacher in the preschool class at The Goddard School located in Schwenksville, PA, Kim Peterson embodies commitment to lifelong learning. Since joining The Goddard School, Kim has returned to school to earn a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in special education. Kim has used her education to build impressive development-focused programs with the individual in mind. This year, Kim began incorporating service projects into her lesson plans. In February, the preschoolers created Valentine’s Day cards for local seniors. Kim has also enthusiastically redesigned the outdoor space of the School. Kim is a passionate leader and multi-tasker who also oversees the training of new faculty members, builds rapport with parents every day and creates an environment her students love.
For more information on The Goddard School, please visit www.goddardschool.com/educators/teachers. | 
