From the classroom to my own classroom
I spent years working in public school classrooms and childcare settings, and I loved my students like crazy. But like so many teachers, I also felt stretched thin, and I dreamed of a classroom where I could teach the way I knew little ones learn best.
So I built one. I opened The Tot Spot, a small, play-based preschool-prep program in my home in Surprise. Six little learners, a predictable routine, lots of hands-on play, and families who feel like part of the class.
Opening my own program meant learning things no teacher-prep course covers: how to set tuition, write a parent handbook, build a waitlist, plan a year of curriculum and market a tiny school. I made a lot of templates, checklists and plans along the way.
The Happy Teacher Studio is where I share them. Whether you're dreaming about leaving the classroom, opening a preschool of your own, or simply getting your little one ready for school, I want to hand you the tools I wish I'd had.
My hope is that every teacher gets to create their own kind of classroom, and every family gets simple ways to make learning meaningful.