Feature Teacher Team: Ms. Denesha, Ms. Autumn, and Ms. Deneen

Parish Day School would like to recognize an outstanding teaching team in our preschool, Ms. Denesha, Ms. Autumn and Ms. Deneen. These gifted early childhood educators excel in our STREAMin3 curriculum and create a loving classroom family for our children.

We love hearing the teachers engaging in conversations throughout the building with their little learners promoting their students positive interactions, building emotional support, and encouraging their active learning. Congratulations to an amazing team!

What brought you to the field of Early Childhood Education?

Ms. Denesha-- Through a love of learning as a child, I developed a love for teaching. Unlike other forms of education, teaching Early Childhood Education is less about simply passing information from one individual to another. It is instead more about inspiring children to want to develop their own foundation for the limitless knowledge available as they grow. I thoroughly enjoy both the opportunity and the significance of making learning fun each day- With endless possibilities!

Ms. Autumn-- An interest in pursuing a career of teaching as I began college.

Ms. Deneen-- My love for children. I was blessed with 19 first cousins and I knew that I would be working with children. 

Why did you want to teach at Parish Day School?

Ms. Denesha-- After I had settled in Virginia Beach, it was important for me to continue my journey in Early Childhood Education. When I began local research  for a school that I could envision myself and my family being a part of, Parish Day School was a distinct anomaly. I instantly felt connected and supported by my grade-level mentor as well as my administrators to provide an increasing level of care and love to our students. Shortly after beginning my career at PDS, I enrolled my daughter into the school as well! By the sheer commitment and unwavering dedication of her teachers, she has had the greatest experience a parent can hope for during the short time their child is able to attend preschool.

Ms. Autumn-- To gain first hand knowledge and experience on teaching. As a hands-on learner I knew that the best way for me to understand teaching was to get into a classroom physically. I knew Parish Day School would be a perfect place to begin learning. I had heard many positive things about the school and the staff at Parish Day. I am blessed to be able to say that the positive reputation of the school, that was portrayed to me three years ago, still maintains itself.

Ms. Deneen--Parish Day School is accredited by the National Association for the Education of the Young Child (NAEYC) . Also, Parish Day School was able to provide me with a work schedule that allowed me to teach and care for my elderly mother.

Do you have a role model or hero that inspired you?

Ms. Denesha-- I will always remain grateful to my mother for her inspirational guidance, unmatched patience, and her relentless understanding in all things regarding life- Including but not limited to its many lessons!

Ms. Autumn---  I am lucky to have many role models that continue to give me inspiration to strive for my goals. The team I work with has always been a huge source of motivation and encouragement. I know I can always rely on my teaching team to keep me motivated and focused on the important parts of teaching. To be able to work with people of diverse experiences in childhood education has been a great experience.

Ms. Deneen-- Yes, my family, friends professors and peers.

What do you bring to Parish Day School that makes you unique?

Ms. Denesha-- I believe that which I can credit myself to display an utmost uniqueness is my consistent ability to think outside-the-box. At times, the “box” may seem to disappear and in those cherished moments I rely on intuition and innate creativity to assist me in providing the children I am responsible for with love, acceptance, and grace.

Ms. Autumn-- I believe I have a strong sense of compassion for others. Not just for the children but also the adults. This allows me to live my life by giving the benefit of the doubt and chances. It’s important to have these qualities when working with children. It’s important children are allowed to make mistakes. This is where they learn the most important things. One of those important things being values that they will carry with them throughout their lives. Allowing them to make mistakes will allow them to learn from first hand experiences. Giving them a chance to show they can fix their mistakes also is just as important. It’s a process that we cannot cut short because of a lack of patience or trust.

Ms. Deneen-- My prior years of experience working with the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.

What is your teaching philosophy?

Ms. Denesha-- Although it is challenging for me to narrow down a single philosophy that wholeheartedly encompasses what I believe our teaching team thrives to achieve each day, two philosophical quotes come to mind.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” -Albert Einstein 

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself” -Plato

Ms. Deneen-- I believe that every child is unique and capable of learning in a stimulating environment that is safe, engaging and provides lots of opportunities for children to play. Through play experiences children will develop language skills  social/emotional skills, physical skills and so much more.

What is your favorite thing about being part of the Parish Day School Team?

Ms. Denesha-- My favorite thing about Parish Day School is the endless support I receive from my coworkers. I appreciate knowing that we are just as much family as our families at home are!

Ms. Autumn-- The consistently positive atmosphere at Parish Day School. It is wonderful to come to work and be surrounded by such joy from seemingly everyone in the school. Staff, children, and parents, all contribute to this joyful setting.

Ms. Deneen-- I love that it's diverse.

Do you have a favorite time of year at Parish Day School?

Ms. Denesha-- Book Fair week is my favorite time of the year at Parish Day. The excitement for reading and interest in new stories keeps me looking forward to every March!

Ms. Autumn- - I enjoy our Summer camp sessions. With nicer weather, new activities, and exciting themes, it makes space for fun memories. Some of my best memories at Parish Day School have come from our Summers. The children enjoy the fresh air, water play, and creating different crafts. It feels the kids enjoy it just as much as teachers.

Ms. Deneen-- Yes, I love Summer and I really enjoyed Camp Turtle Trap last year.

Do you have a favorite quote or motto?

Ms. Denesha-- I most frequently use the phrases, “We got this!” and “Let’s roll with it!”

Ms. Autumn-- "We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are” Max Depree

Ms. Deneen-- Yes, "Let Go and Let God!"