Our teachers truly put the “heart” in AART. Each of our teachers is a crucial team member who empowers students and parents to find the magic in learning.
Meet Christa, a valued member of our teaching staff.
Growing up, Christa thought she wanted to be a middle school teacher. Positive school memories helped form this dream, starting with her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Fisher. Christa remembers how her teacher would hug her and that she “could feel how loving and wonderful she was.”
This idea stuck with her until college, when she decided to study criminal justice. She graduated from McNeese State University and began working in security. She then served as a police officer for seven years.
Christa’s retirement from law enforcement after having her daughter marked the beginning of her teaching journey. “I enjoyed watching the lightbulb moments when she would become aware or learn something new,” says Christa, remembering fond memories with her daughter. She would help when needed at her daughter’s school, and before she knew it, she became a substitute teacher. Her family soon moved to Virginia, where one of her daughter’s teachers recommended she apply to teach at Truro Preschool and Kindergarten. Christa was hired and taught there for 13 years.
One day, Christa was minutes away from starting a weekend vacation with her family when she discovered All Ages Read Together. She truly believed in the organization’s mission to provide preschool to all children and claimed she was sold on applying for the program when she discovered that each child receives a weekly book to build their home library. When asked why she joined AART, Christa replied, “The best work in the world doesn’t feel like work. Teaching the children and watching them explore the classroom and wonder what will happen next is fun for me, and I hope for them as well.”
While teaching her classes, Christa loves to dance with her students – “moving their bodies and stretching is important, and I like the smiles and laughter of children while we dance together.” Of course, Christa also loves to read with her class. Her favorite children’s book is “Let’s Share,” written by Jillian Harker, but she says she enjoys any book discussing sharing or good manners.
Currently, she teaches two classes at the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center facility and will soon lead a class in Centreville.
We appreciate Christa’s hard work as a champion for her students’ success and know that her kindness and dedication will positively impact them for many years to come.