Meet Our Teachers: Miss Aydee

Meet Miss Aydee! Our amazing Two’s Lead Teacher started at Concordia Place on Milwaukee in July 2020. Aydee earned her associate’s degree in psychology, and she’s currently pursuing a second degree in preschool education. We asked Aydee some questions about her experience and passion for educating, so you can get to know her!

 

What inspired you to become a teacher?
Becoming a teacher was never a single “aha” moment for me—it was more of a feeling that grew over time. I’ve always loved working with kids, and over the years, I’ve come to realize just how much those early years can shape a child’s entire attitude toward school. Early childhood education is so much more than just teaching the ABCs or counting to ten—it’s about giving kids the first taste of what it feels like to love learning and creating a space where kids feel excited and confident. When they have positive experiences early on, they carry that enthusiasm with them for years to come and that is what truly inspires me.

 

What aspects of teaching do you find most rewarding?
The most rewarding part of teaching for me is watching kids grow—both in their skills and their confidence. There’s nothing quite like seeing a child go from unsure to proud of their achievements.
What I also find fulfilling is seeing the small, everyday progress that adds up over time; Whether it’s a child learning to share, solving a problem on their own, or simply becoming more comfortable in their own skin. Being part of their journey and helping them discover what they’re capable of is what makes teaching so fulfilling.

 

Can you share a specific moment or experience in your career that made you feel proud or fulfilled?

One moment that stands out for me was when a shy, quiet child in my class began to open up and find their voice. At first, they would often sit by themselves, hesitant to interact with their classmates. But over time, I saw them slowly start to engage—first by smiling at a peer, then sharing a toy, and eventually joining in group activities without prompting.

It was such a proud moment for me to see this child become more confident and comfortable in social settings. Watching them go from being unsure to actively participating and forming friendships felt incredibly fulfilling. It reminded me why I love what I do—helping children build those social skills and seeing them grow into more confident, connected individuals. Being part of that transformation is something I’ll always treasure.

Do you have a favorite lesson plan that you’ve done in your classroom?

One of my favorite activities is reading Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen. The book perfectly captures how our classroom is like a family—we support each other, celebrate our differences, and work together to make our space kind and welcoming. After we read the story, we sit together and brainstorm our classroom promises as a group. We talk about using kind words, listening to each other, helping one another, and always doing our best, even when things get tough. Once I’ve written our promises, we move on to a creative project where each child makes their own schoolhouse. We decorate the schoolhouses with their pictures, and then we hang them up in the classroom. It’s such a special way to make every child feel like they’re a part of our big school family.

What I love most about this activity is how it brings the class together right from the start. It helps them feel connected and valued, and reminds them that we’re all working as a team. Seeing their faces light up when they see their pictures on the schoolhouses always makes my heart smile!

What makes a great day in the classroom for you?

A great day in the classroom for me is when the kids are fully engaged and excited to learn. It’s those moments when they’re asking questions, sharing their ideas, and really diving into activities with enthusiasm. I love seeing them work together, whether it’s during a group project or simply helping each other out. Even when things don’t go perfectly, I know it’s a success when they feel comfortable enough to make mistakes and learn from them.

What truly makes the day special is the sense of connection and kindness that fills the room. When we’re celebrating each other’s successes, no matter how big or small, and everyone feels valued and supported, that’s when I know we’ve created a positive, safe environment. A great day is one where the kids leave feeling more confident, excited to return, and ready to keep growing together.

What do you hope children and parents remember most from their time in your classroom?

What I hope children remember most from their time in my classroom is that it was a place where they felt safe, loved, and excited to learn. I want them to look back and remember how they were encouraged to be themselves, try new things, and explore the world around them. Whether it’s the joy of creating something with their hands, the laughter shared with a friend, or the feeling of accomplishment after mastering a new skill, I hope they carry those positive memories with them.

For parents, I hope they remember that I always saw their child as a unique individual with their own strengths and needs. I want them to know that I created an environment where their child could grow not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Ultimately, I hope both children and parents remember the feeling of being part of a caring, supportive classroom community, where kindness and curiosity were at the heart of everything we did.