Little Lukes is Proud to Spotlight Lead Preschool Teacher Michele S!
Meet Michele, a Lead Preschool Teacher at our Oswego center. This September Michele will be celebrating her tenth year with Little Lukes! Having been with us for almost ten years, an employee spotlight is long overdue.
Why is Michele beyond deserving of this recognition? She is so loving and caring with the children in her care. “I love to watch the growth our kiddos make from start to finish. The way their little eyes light up and their bouncy excitement when they achieve a goal they weren’t able to achieve just the day before.” Working with preschoolers comes with lots of memorable moments. From their first day to their gradation, which Michele says are her favorite moment, she loves creating new memories with the kids. “I love being a part of each family’s excitement as their kiddo takes their next step into the world and moves on to Kindergarten.”
Ten years gives you a lot of time to come up with a plethora of activities. Preschoolers love to try new activities each day they are in our centers. Michele says her favorite activity is creating sensory bins. “It allows them to get messy and explore while learning, in addition to working on fine motor skills.” Michele is loved by so many and we are especially thankful she has been with us here at Little Lukes for the last ten years!
Little Lukes Director, Meg, reflects on Michele’s hard work and dedication…
Our Oswego Director, Meg Kellogg, had lots to say about Michele Smith. “Truth be told, it’s a long overdue spotlight. In my eyes, there is always a spotlight on Michele. Michele is a natural born teacher, right to the core. She teaches from her heart and it’s so evident in every lesson with every child. Michele cares about so much more than the pre-academic skills we all value and recognize the importance of, she cares so deeply for every child she is supporting and nurturing as little humans and learners.” The ability to work well with kids is definitely the most important aspect about being a preschool teacher. Adjusting to each kid’s own individual traits, to their likes and dislikes, and to their own style of learning, is what Michele does best. “Michele is always thinking ahead and in the moment on how to make everything more meaningful to every child, whether it be during a free play activity or a teacher-led lesson. She remains committed to knowing every child she works with well enough to be able to appropriately challenge them as individuals, even within a group. Her dedication to the children and their growth has always shone through and she even takes their imaginations to the next level with her varying themes of pretend play opportunities.”
Not only is building strong relationships with the kids important but having a trustworthy and meaningful relationship with the family is important as well. “She is so genuine and heartfelt; her whole heart is in everything she does. Michele is so sensitive to the needs, goals, and concerns of parents and families that she works diligently to meet each where they are at individually to be most beneficial to each child. Her communication with families is always reflective of such authentic commitment as well, as she remains open and available for all conversation with families regarding their children’s growth and development.”
We are proud to showcase Michele Smith as this week’s Employee Spotlight! Michele is a true team player; she values true collaboration and the balance and communication necessary to benefit children. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to see more Little Lukes employee spotlights!
About Little Lukes
Little Lukes is a leading Syracuse and Oswego County education provider with five inclusion preschool locations. The early education program includes credentialed and caring staff that specializes in comprehensive infant, toddler and pre-kindergarten development. Additional services include pediatric speech therapy, pediatric physical therapy and pediatric occupational therapy. Preschool locations include Oswego, Baldwinsville (Radisson), Dewitt (East Syracuse), Fulton, and Pulaski.
For information about Little Lukes, please contact us at www.littlelukes.com/contact
