Suzanne DeVries, Preschool Teacher

  Tell us a little about yourself. 

I reside in Whitehouse Station with my wonderful husband Steve, and our five children Luke, Abigail, Tabitha, Jacob and Rebekah. I knew from the time I was in Kindergarten that I wanted to be a teacher. I attended and graduated from Messiah College with an Early Childhood Education degree. I taught First Grade, then Kindergarten for several years until we were blessed with becoming parents. My husband and I chose for me to stay home with our children for over 15 years.  I went back into teaching preschool when our youngest daughter started Preschool 4's because it allowed me to do what I love, teaching, all while still being with the ones that I love. 

What is your favorite Bible verse or passage and why?

I have so many favorite Bible verses, but one verse that I love, and tell the children as they leave my classroom is a portion of Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Children need to know that they are made in the image of God and created wonderfully just as they are - God does not make mistakes!

Besides the Bible, what is your favorite book and why?

My favorite books are any children's book... I have a HUGE collection! I have utilized many of them in my teaching and have so many fond memories of reading them with our children when they were younger. A good children's book can put a smile on my face!

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

The major change that I would make to education is to go back to the basics. I have taught for many years, various grade levels and both private and public schools. I have seen it even in my own children's education that they have moved away from basic core curriculum areas and added other "programs" into the day. The fundamental skills are being watered down and lost. 

What aspects of Foundation First's model do you find most appealing?

Foundations First is appealing because it allows the teacher, parent and student to be able to focus on the Lord, His blessings and creations, and His will for each of us while providing a strong academic environment.

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

In Preschool, most of our day emphasizes hands-on, interactive and an immersive approach to learning. I strongly strive to make their Preschool days exciting, nurturing, engaging and positive - for many children this is the first step in their long school career - I want to try to make it the best for them!  Fully knowing that all children enter our door with different levels of "education", I try to introduce and expand their knowledge throughout all aspects of our day.