Featured Teacher: Erin Mitchell – Toddler-D Head Teacher and Coordinator
From Toledo, Ohio with a degree in human development and family studies, Ms. Erin believes that hands-on learning, even in the earliest stages of life, is an important part of the classroom. “The children are encouraged to explore with a variety of materials and it is so exciting to watch them grow and learn to use the different materials in so many different ways,” says Ms. Erin.
The kind and loving atmosphere that is encompassed at CDC is what initially inspired Ms. Erin to join the team. “I noticed that CDC genuinely cares for the education of each child, and I wanted to be a part of the team.”
After living in Charleston for two years, Ms. Erin has reveled in the opportunity to help share the Reggio Philosophy with Lowcountry families. “I really admire the Reggio Emilia philosophy’s perspective of the child being the author of their own learning. The philosophy focuses on the child’s ability and allows the child to be very active in the learning process rather than merely acting as a sponge.”
When not working at CDC, Ms. Erin enjoys running outdoors, exploring the Charleston beaches, listening to music and playing the ukulele. Most of all, Ms. Erin enjoys reading and shares this hobby with the students in the classroom. “The toddlers are at such a fun age and seem to really enjoy storytelling. I love being animated and seeing the children’s reaction to certain events and hearing the questions they come up with to each story I read.”
Ms. Erin believes that it’s important to “be someone you want to be around”, and to always try to have a good attitude.