Educational Quotes

The principle goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done.

-Jean Piaget

I must say I do enjoy leisure for study- all my life it has seemed to me that personally I wanted no other wealth that leisure & now I have got it!

-Elizabeth Peabody

Young children from very low-income families, who are not succeeding in school, does not have to do with their intelligence; they just needed the tools to know how to survive and thrive in the public school system. 

-Louise Derman-Sparks 

I have the passion to make sure that all children are taught in environments and in ways that truly nurtured their ability to grow and to develop to their fullest ability.

-Louise Derman-Sparks

What a unique opportunity we as educators have. We as professional educators have the opportunity to shape a child’s life for the better. 

 -Sandy Escobido

Personal Childhood Web

I was blessed to grow up in a single family home, where my parents were married and happy and I had 1 younger bother. I had all 4 of my grandparents whom were also married and happy. I also during my childhood years had 3 5 of my Great-Grandparents. My family was also filled with many cousins, aunts and uncles. I was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, where most of my family still resides today.

I have been so grateful to have so many supportive people in my life. These are only 5 of them. These people have influenced my life as a child. They nurtured me, cared about me and made me feel special. They  have made a tremendous influence and impact on my present life as well. 

Janna Downer
My mother, Janna Downer, is one person who had a huge role in my childhood. She is a hardworking, dedicated mother, who was always there for my brother and I growing up. She would always make sure that I had everything I needed and got to do and participate in things that were important to me. She always made me feel like I was indestructible and was the greatest example of what kind of a mother I wanted to be. To this day when I parent my son I find myself doing and saying things exactly like my mother would have. I hope that he grows up to look up to me just as much as I look up to her.

Bryan Downer 
My father, Bryan Downer, was one of the most nurturing people in my life growing up. He was the one that set the rules and boundaries. He was also the first one to congratulate me on my accomplishments. My dad always wanted me to be an independent person and make choices on my own even if they weren’t the right ones, I would learn from them. I am hoping that I will one day find a father figure for my son that was just like my dad was with me. Someone for him to look up to and learn from.

Dawn Downer
 My Aunt, Dawn Downer, played a great role in my childhood. I was the first born in my generation so I was the spoiled one. She would always take me to do fun things and try new things. When my parents weren’t able to take me somewhere or to a school function, she was always the first one there. I hope that when I become an Aunt I will be just like she was. I will be like a second mother to them and encourage them and help them in their journeys just like my aunt did for me.

Judy Stephens
 My maternal grandmother, Judy Stephens, was one of the funniest people I knew growing up. She was also, and still is, one of the best cooks! My grandma was always at everything that she could be there for, grandparent’s day, concerts, recitals and award programs. She would always take me with her to the grocery store and let me help her cook. She was such a kind sole and always got my family together even if there wasn’t really reason. When I become a grandmother my hope is that I can be like the glue that she was for our family. Always making sure that everyone is together and never drifting apart.

Dotti Downer 
My paternal grandmother, Dotti Downer, was probably my greatest supporter and still is to this day. She was the first person to arrive at any function I was having. She was always the loudest person cheering at any game. She was the one yelling at bad calls and things she didn’t agree with. But, she was always the one that sat beside my bed when I would spend the night and tell me bedtime stories until I fell asleep. When I have grandkids I want to be that big of a supporter for them. I want them to know that no matter when they are so important to me and I will do anything for them.

Children drawings are the best

I always love to see what my students come up with when I ask them to draw a picture. One of my all time favorite pictures is from a student on the 100th day of school. I always ask them to draw what they think they would look like when they are 100 years old and these are 2 that I received.

The first picture shows a coffin in the ground with a tombstone and him as an angel in the sky. I ask why he thought he would be an angel at 100 and his response was simple. "Hopefully when I'm 100, I am already and angel like my mom." Heartbreaker! The second picture is of another little boy in a coffin. I asked him why he drew himself in a coffin and his response was, "Well who really lives to be 100? No one these days!" These are my favorite not only because of the drawings but because of the meaning behind them.

She touched my heart...

I just started teaching my 4th year of Kindergarten. Last year was my favorite class that I have had to far. I had so many kids that touched my heart but one in particular. Her name was Emma, a blond hair, blue eyed cutie! I will never forget the day that she came to "Meet the Teacher Night," the Friday before school started. She came with Grandma and Grandpa, standing behind them hiding the entire time silent. As the school year progressed I learned more and more about Emma. Here mom had a drug addiction and was in and out of her life. She has a little sister that she never gets to see. Emma lived with her grandparents, whom both worked full time jobs, so after school she would go to a daycare until they were done working. Thankfully her Grandparents were very involved in her life and made her feel like the very special little girl that she was. Grandma called me one day and asked how she was doing, because Mom had not shown up at Emma's birthday party. After talking about Emma, and how there were not issues and she was doing amazing, grandma began to sob! I was taken back and not sure what to say. She then told me that Emma explained to Grandma that when mom didn't show up at her party she wasn't surprised. She then told her that she wished I was her mom because I never let her down and would have shown up and brought her a gift. Grandma explained that everything they do at home has to do with me, "Ms. Downer said we have to do it this way. Ms. Downer doesn't let me do that" etc. Grandma thanked me for everything that I had done for Emma. After hanging up the phone I then proceed to sob! I never knew how much I meant to Emma because she was always to quiet and shy. From that day forward I talked so much more to her and she really started to open up. She ended the year as my highest student and my all time favorite. She is the sweetest and most deserving child. She hugs me every time to sees me in the hallway and whispers, "I still wish I was in your room."

Favorite Children's Book

One of my favorite books to read to my students, in the beginning of the school year is "Pete the Cat, Rocking in my School Shoes" by Eric Litwin. This book teaches the children all of the places that they go in the school building: library, lunchroom, playground, etc. The kids love to sing along when Pete sings his songs. This is such a colorful and exciting book to read. The kids ask to read it all the time and I can never say no!