Education: Wittenberg University (2007). Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, master's from Wright State in advanced studies, including pre-k special needs endorsement.
Family: I am married to Josh Morter and we have two kids, Cam, who is 2, and Caleb, who is 8 months. My husband has a degree in health and physical education and is also a basketball coach. I met my husband playing basketball in a pick-up game in college. I am the oldest of six kids. I have a sister and brother who are teachers, a brother who is an engineer, and a brother and sister both attending college to get their degrees in education.
Where did you grow up? Kettering. Fairmont High School, Class of 2003.
Years with Mad River: Nine
Why do you love working in Mad River? I love the preschool staff. We do a great job working together to help our students reach their potential. We are led by our supportive and encouraging principal, Pam Roberts, who is dedicated to helping our students get a well-rounded preschool education. She plans field trips and events that give our students experiences many of them have never had. I have an amazing classroom aide, Brittany Rech, who is planning on getting her degree in education. She will be a fantastic teacher. I also love working in Mad River because we have some truly awesome kids at our preschool and it makes it worth coming to school every day.
What attracted you to this job? I feel that I am able to help others and this is rewarding for me. To start every day I have my students say the following with me: "I will never give up. I will always do my best. I will believe in myself. And I will use my talents to help others." If my students can learn these values, I will feel that I have been successful as a teacher.
What makes it all worthwhile? The most rewarding part is knowing I am helping build a strong foundation for my students that will hopefully help them be successful in school and in life.
What's the hardest part about being a preschool teacher? I never expected preschool to have so much paperwork! I wish I could spend less time on all the paperwork and more time planning creative lessons and activities.
Any advice for people who aspire to teach preschool? Yes, it is amazing what 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds are able to learn if given the opportunity. So set the bar high and expect great things from your students.
What is something about you that people might not readily know? I played basketball at Fairmont High School and also played two years at Wittenberg. It was through basketball that I learned how to believe in myself, work hard, and trust in God and His plan for my life. I am the person and teacher I am today because of what I learned about life and myself playing basketball.
About the Author