jeanne giamerese, preschool

  Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. To this day, I consider Brooklyn to be my happy place. I have been married to my husband, Gary for 42 years. We raised our two daughters, Sharon and Carina in our quaint home in Washington Township. Both my daughters are married to their husbands now. Sharon, Dustin and my sweet grandchildren Owen (almost 7 yrs.) & Sadie (5 yrs.) live in Juneau, Alaska. Carina and her husband Stephen live in West Philadelphia. I feel so blessed to have my family. The Lord continually reminds me how precious life is through these people he has given me.

I have been working in an educational setting since 1991, and I deeply enjoy working in a Christian environment. Children are absolutely one of my deepest passions, and I just light up when I’m around them! It is such a thrill for me to teach these little ones who Jesus is and let them know how deep His love is for them! 

In my spare time, I enjoy traveling to Alaska, spending time making memories with my grandchildren, bowling, buying and planting many plants, walking in nature, listening to podcasts or music and going to live concerts!  I am also a Toy Advisor for Discovery Toys because I love sharing how the act of play can enable children to learn creatively.  

What is your favorite Bible verse or passage and why?   

 This is never an easy question for me, as there are so many that have made a deep impact on my life. I have narrowed down two of my favorites.  Isaiah 26:3 & 4  You will keep in perfect peace those who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

Philippians 4:6-8 Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.  And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.  Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.   Fixing my thoughts on Him and what He has for me offers such great clarity and direction in my life and I believe a constant daily dialogue with God allows me to not only keep his peace, but helps keep me from unnecessary worry.

Besides the Bible, what is your favorite book and why?
 During the school year I am always scouting for a great children’s book. Even as an adult, I get excited anticipating the next great find that will tie into our teaching curriculum.  Children’s books have simple, but very engaging stories and that’s something I really appreciate.  Humor and whimsy are aspects that not only keep children engaged, but they connect children to the adults that read them aloud.  My all-time favorite is  “Little Bear” by Else Holmelund Minarik/Maurice Sendak (illustrator). The book has four short stories of adventures behind the day in the life of a bear cub.  Maurice Sendak is one of my favorite Illustrators and I am continually warmed by Little Bears' character and imagination. What I love most is how Little Bear’s mom is always encouraging him; assuring him everything is going to be alright. The love between Little Bear and his mother is precious and serves as a great example of the relationship between mother and child.

If you could make 1 major change to education, what would it be?  

 I believe that parents should be more involved in how their child is educated in the sense that the government should not control and be involved in decisions of curriculum development the way they currently are. The educational experience is highly individual and should not be governed from such a removed entity particularly regarding content.  

What aspects of Foundation First's model do you find most appealing?
The Foundations First model appeals to me because it offers a Christ-centered focus, while being flexible with the families’ needs. Our schedule of three days in-class with parents partnering in rotation, along with two satellite days from home is a wonderful set up that offers tremendous benefits and freedom to alternatives in learning strategies. I really love the atmosphere of community that the model brings as well! 

Describe your teaching style or philosophy.  Do you have any unique teaching methods you use to engage students?  

 I desire to teach, nurture and help children reach their full potential, acknowledging God’s unique purpose for each of their lives. I am passionate to work alongside teachers who lead by example and share their love of education. I believe it is vital to support parents in their greatest responsibility while offering children foundational stepping stones toward their growth and development.