Tiffany Meyers, Teaching assistant, grades 1-2

  Tell us a little about yourself. 

 Hello! I am a mom to 2 boys, Noah and Aiden, who both have different learning abilities. This is what changed the course of my career and truly inspired me to become an educator. After having a son diagnosed with Autism, God placed it on my heart to leave my corporate job and pursue education. I have been in Christian education for 7 years. I have also been in both the public and private arena. I am passionate about advocating for children with special needs! I love animals (my students will tell you specifically about my love for kitties),taking family cruises, the beach, exercising, crafting and serving at my church. 

What is your favorite Bible verse or passage and why?

 So many come to mind! One verse that has been laid on my heart over the past several years is, Isaiah 43:19. "For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." Since creation, God has been actively doing a new thing. This verse reminds me how there is never a time when God is not doing something new or preparing us for something new, even when we might not be able to see it. 

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

 One of my favorite children's books is Good, Good Father by Chris Tomlin and Pat Barrett. It's a story about a little bear named Tucker whose life is forever changed when he learns just how great the King's love is for him. When Tucker's friends need help, he goes to see the King who lives in a castle where the door is always open. It teaches children how God will always protect, teach, bring joy and most of all, love them! I love seeing the children's faces light up as we read this story together. 

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

 Celebrating a child for who they are and not who the world says they should be. In other settings, so much focus can be put on a student being the smartest or the fastest or the most athletic, etc. This can often lead to a student feeling they are less than, not worthy or simply not good enough. Focusing on a child's God given talents, meeting them where they are in their journey of learning and celebrating them for who God created them to be allows a child to know and feel that they were made in His perfect image. 

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

 What I love about Foundations is the true partnership we strive to have with the families. The ability to partner together and work as a team to teach whole person learning is something that is so unique and special. God designed us to live in community because it's so important for happiness and growth. When we are in close relationship with others, it equips us further to provide a solid foundation of Christ's love for the students. 

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

 I am such a firm believer of positive reinforcement! I love to find out what motivates a student as well as what their love language is and to build success off that. Rewarding a child with positive reinforcement and by relating to a child in a positive way eventually changes the way a child relates to themselves and the world.