New teacher getting Head Start on school year
Sports reporter
It's been a while since Angel Garrett has taught in the classroom, but she's ready for the challenge.
Garrett, who lives in Hillsboro, will be the new lead teacher for the McPherson/Marion County Head Start program at the Marion location.
She received a bachelor's degree in education from North Eastern State University in Oklahoma, and has a master's in reading specialization, but it's been nine and one-half years since she has taught in the classroom.
"When I had my youngest child I decided it was time to stay at home," Garrett said.
Her youngest is now in first grade, and Garrett felt the teaching juices flowing once again.
"Now I'm looking for a little more to do," she said.
She found the answer with Head Start, and is eager to once again be in the classroom.
"I'm not nervous at all about teaching," she said. "I'm excited."
A different classroom
Garrett did say however, she is a little nervous about learning all the ins and outs of the job, and making contacts with the right people. She knows that will come with time, as will learning all about Marion.
"I know a lot of people in Hillsboro," (which has a Head Start program as well) she said. "I'm looking forward to getting to know the Marion families."
Getting to know the children is at the top of the list for Garrett as well, and working with the children and parents together is a huge part of what Head Start is all about.
"We are very child-centered," Garrett said. "But we also work closely with the parents."
Garrett said the federally-funded program likes to teach the children with a hands-on approach, and will provide parents with information on how their child is performing.
The program offers get-togethers for parents and students such as pajama reading night and home visits, and any parent is welcome to come by and see their child or eat lunch with them at any time.
"In a way it's governed by the parents and students," fellow teacher Jane O'Connor said.
Highly recommend
O'Connor is excited to have Garrett on her side this year, and is looking forward to her insight on how to keep the program growing.
"She is full of great ideas," O'Connor said of Garrett.
Garrett has kept up her teaching certification, and she said that is one area where Head Start has an advantage against traditional pre-schools.
"A lot of pre-schools don't have certified teachers," Garrett said.
She also thinks the time she spent teaching in Oklahoma opened her eyes to the fact all children are different.
Garrett taught at a rural Cherokee school where 90 percent of the children were Cherokee Indian. She learned a different culture while there and a respect for children from all backgrounds.
"Not all children learn the same way," she said.
It has given her a perspective that all children play, learn, and live differently. It also is another philosophy Head Start uses in its curriculum.
Although the teachers set up part of what the students will learn, they also let the students choose activities they like to do.
"If they want to learn about bugs, we'll learn about bugs," Garrett said. "We base a lot of what we teach on their interests."
Ultimately, the teachers decide what is best for the children, who are between three and five years old, to learn, but the program is based on the needs of each student.
The new year starts
Garrett, who officially started on the job Monday, really believes in the philosophy of Head Start, and is eager to take her ideas and run.
"I'm looking forward to all the challenges ahead," she said.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the Head Start program can call (620) 382-3863 or 1-866-846-5599 in Marion, (620) 947-30912 in Hillsboro, or (620) 241-9590 in McPherson.
