Teacher Finds her Calling in Preschool (IA)

March 30, 2011

From the time she was in second grade, Brittney Sharp knew she wanted to be a teacher.

That was when her own teacher influenced her in such a way that she wanted to have the same impact on future generations.

"My mom always says I’m a natural teacher," Sharp said.

The 25-year-old University of Iowa graduate is in her third year of teaching at the Apple Tree Children’s Center, 325 S. Dubuque St. Iowa City, and recently learned she will receive a national award for her efforts at the school.

Next month, Sharp will be recognized as a 2011 Terry Lynne Lokoff/Children’s Tylenol National Child Care Teacher Award winner. Sharp was one of the top 10 finalists of the 50 educators to receive the honor, she said.

As a part of the application, Sharp had to write a project proposal for her classroom, and as a winner, she’ll receive the funding necessary to make that proposal a reality.

Sharp’s project, "Literacy Integration," involves providing puppets and a puppet show stage for students to express themselves dramatically and interpret and understand the stories they read in class.

"Studies have shown that if helps when they can act as the characters," Sharp said. ‘It makes learning to read more fun."

Sharp said the students in her 4- and 5-year-old classroom also can use the puppets to act out social situations and learn how to solve problems.& lt;br />

Though she originally wanted to teach elementary students, Sharp said her time at Apple Tree has sealed her desire to teach preschoolers.

"It’s important for kids to go to preschool, not just for the academic aspect, but for preparing them to learn, and the social aspect of teaching kids how to interact and how to be part of the classroom," Sharp said.

Apple Tree Senior Director Tracy Elston said Sharp’s ability to interact with parents and families has been one key factor to her success.

"A definite strength she brings is the relationships she builds with the families," Elston said. "There are other little things; her attention to detail. She has a busy classroom, but she is always taking some bit of what each child does to make the experience personal to that child."

Sharp is taking classes at Mount Mercy University toward endorsements in special education and early childhood education, and she said she plans to teach preschool well into the future.

"I just love how curious they are," Sharp said of her students. "They’re so eager to learn. The teaching aspect is the easiest part."