kim tezlaf, teaching assistant, preschool

  Tell us a little about yourself.
I reside in Lopatcong with my beautiful family. My husband Russell and I have been married for 21 years and we have four children Kyle, Derek, Liam and Alyssa. I have been blessed to be a stay at home mom with our children for the past 16 years. I enjoy doing things with my children such as bowling, fishing and amusement parks. I have a certification as a paraprofessional. When Alyssa, my youngest started school I went back to work in a Public School. I love teaching and working with children. I have worked with children in all learning levels many with IEP’s and learning disabilities. Children with learning disabilities are close to my heart because I have a child who has learning disabilities. I know the struggles they face and love to see them overcome them.  

What is your favorite Bible verse or passage and why?  

 Two of my favorite bible verse are:

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in The Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.

I feel these two verses go together especially in my life. Being a stay at home parent we only had 1 income which can be challenging. I learned how to Trust in The Lord and for Him to be our provider and not to worry about our tomorrows. Through my trials I have grown closer to The Lord. 

Besides the Bible, what is your favorite book and why?
Besides the Bible my favorite book is, "The Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie Omartian. Being a mother of four, I love this book. There are so many stages of our children’s lives that we need to be constantly praying for them. Some I might not of even thought of and this book helps me to be able to be mindful of these areas and pray for each of my children. I enjoy books for the season of life I’m in.   

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

 If there was 1 major change to education it would be more hands on. We remember 20% what we read/ hear and 80% what we see and do. Kids learn and retain more if we did more visual and hands on rather than just talking and having them read. The more engaged children can be with a lesson the more they will remember. Hands on learning is very important especially for those who might have learning disabilities or struggles.  

What aspects of Foundation First's model do you find most appealing?
  Foundations First is appealing because God is included in all subjects and in all areas. Children need to know that God is always with us and should be included in everything we do! This will help them to develop and strengthen their relationship with Him. Foundations First is an amazing community where teachers and parents are partners. No one knows their children better than their parents.  

Describe your teaching style or philosophy.  Do you have any unique teaching methods you use to engage students?
 I have found to reach a child is to meet them on their level. To encourage and celebrate them in every step they do no matter how small. Help them to understand everyone learns at their own pace. Children respond when we are engaging and positive. My goal is to make sure children develop a love for learning. Learning isn't over after you finish school, learning should be a part of life as we are always learning and growing.