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Staff
We
have an exceptional staff of teachers who love to see children grow and
succeed!
A Higher Standard
All of our teachers have "Highly Qualified"
teaching licenses from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
They hold at least a Bachelor's degree from a four-year institution and have demonstrated competence in each of their core academic subject areas.
These teaching licenses are not to be confused with the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) for Lead Teachers, which is issued by the North Carolina Division
of Child Development. These credentials require only four semester hours of
community college work, and they are the typical standard at many child care centers
and preschools.
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Sheree Johnston
CEO, Director, and
K-Prep
Teacher
Motivation is at the core of all learning, so I want to create an environment at
Storybook Safari that excites children about reading and learning. I taught first
grade for six years and enjoyed watching my students grow passionate about reading. When I became a stay-at-home mother, I became more aware of how important it is
for parents to help establish their child's interest in reading at an early age.
If they have this foundation before they enter elementary school, they may be more
inclined to be a self-motivated reader and learner.
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Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education,
The University of Alabama
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Highly Qualified North Carolina license in Elementary Education (K-6)
- Elementary teaching experience at a N.C. School of Excellence, including
3 years on the Literacy Team and 3 years on the Leadership Team
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Flame for Learning Award from Johnston County Schools, April 2001
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Kristen Witman
Office Manager
I started bringing my daughter to
Storybook Safari about 5 years ago. I love the education she's gotten from the great teachers.
My daughter was excited every day she went to preschool and as a result loves
attending elementary school. That's why I
want to be able to help other parents have the same experience I have had at
Storybook Safari.
- Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications/Spanish, University of Minnesota
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Marsie Papa
Special Events Coordinator and Senior Teacher
Children who are inspired
to become confident and motivated readers will have doors opened for them to all
kinds of new worlds. Reading is the key to all
learning, and I aspire to build a young reader's confidence, positive attitude,
and passion for reading through creativity and imagination.
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, The Ohio State University, honor graduate
- Highly Qualified North Carolina license in Elementary Education (K-6), Middle Grades
Language Arts, and Middle Grades Social Studies
- Elementary teaching experience in Wake County Public School System
- Graduated from the The Ohio State University's "Literature in the Curriculum" (LINC)
program, studying ways to integrate children's literature in all disciplines of
the curriculum
- Accepted a special assignment with Wake County Public School System as an "Advanced
Reading Teacher," teaching children
who had advanced reading skills and needed a greater challenge
- Developed reading curriculum for Cleveland, Ohio YMCA
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Janice Culver
K-Prep
Assistant
I always loved spending time at my children's school as a volunteer teaching students
to read. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the students at
Storybook Safari as they grow and learn each day. Having spent time as a preschool
gymnastics instructor, I enjoy organizing creative movement and playtime for the
students.
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing, University of Colorado - Boulder
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Erika Hallerman
Preschool
Teacher
Children have a great desire to discover the world around them. The purpose of an educator is to take this curiosity and channel it to reach the desired outcomes. Every child is unique and it has become a life-long passion of mine to identify strengths in children and help them grow. A talented educator reaches beyond the parameters and works to develop the skills that children will need to become successful individuals.
I have worked with children for almost two decades. Recognizing children’s strengths and building upon their self-esteem are the keys to motivate any child. Every child can be successful with the right mentor.
- Master of Science Degree in Instructional Technology K-12 with honors from New York Institute of Technology
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology with a concentration in Elementary Education PreK-6th Grade from SUNY New Paltz
- Completed a project as a Research Coordinator for the Center for Child and Family Policy at Duke University
- Received tenure in a highly accredited school district in New York State prior to moving to North Carolina
- Developed programs in the areas of Language Arts and Mathematics to prepare children for NYS assessments
- Received extensive training in developing rubrics to assess children and differentiate instruction according to children’s needs
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Margaret Marsh
Preschool
Teacher
I believe that children are the joy of the world. It has always been my
personal mission in life to love them and to teach them of their self values and
how to be successful in life. After working with children for 35 years, I
know the importance of motivating children to want to be successful in reading,
mathematics and written language. We can't wait until they reach Public
School age. We must embrace this challenge now.
The first time that I walked into Storybook Safari, I knew in my heart that I
was in the right place to continue on with my mission. The level of love,
creativity and motivation from the staff was awesome. There was no doubt
in my mind that this is where I should be.
- Bachelor of Science in Home Economics specializing in preschool from NC Central
University
- North Carolina license in Elementary
Education (K-6)
- 30 years elementary teaching experience in Durham Public schools.
- Part time Exceptional Children's teacher with Durham Public schools.
- End of grade tutor in reading and math (grades 2-5) with Granville schools
- Employed by University Instructors
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Chandra Jaeger
Two's
Teacher
The more you read, the better you read! As a teacher, I realize the importance
of not only teaching children how to read, but also motivating them to want to read.
My goals are to inspire all children to develop healthy reading habits and to promote
lifetime love for reading. Reading is the foundation for lifelong learning,
and I am excited to have to opportunity to assist your children as they begin their
educational journey!
"The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn,
the more places you'll go." Dr. Seuss
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, The University of Southern Mississippi,
highest honors graduate
- Highly Qualified North Carolina license Elementary Education (K-6)
- Teaching experience in Wake County Public Schools
- International teaching experience in Shenzhen, China for Quality Schools International
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Stacey Hill
Teacher
There is nothing more rewarding than watching a child fall in love with reading
and learning. Whether they are listening to a story or reading for themselves, the
doors that these adventures open up for them is amazing. That is why it is important
to let children learn in the way that is most conducive to them as an individual.
Making sure all children are able to experience these new worlds is what led me
into teaching in the first place, knowing that I can change the world for even one
child is what makes me stay.
- Bachelor of Science in Human Science/Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Arts in K-6 Education, North Carolina Central University
- Currently enrolled in the Master's Degree Program in Reading and Literacy, Capella
University (Minneapolis, MN)
- Highly Qualified North Carolina license in Elementary Education (K-6)
- Elementary teaching experience in Wake County Public School System
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