Now for our first PK3 Stevens teacher feature, Lillian Farnham! We are so excited for you to meet her soon!
How long have you been teaching? I am entering the 10th year of my teaching career. All of my formal teaching experience has been with DC Public Schools, I previously taught at Tyler Elementary School in Southeast, DC.
What do you love most about the ECE age group? What I love most about teaching early learners is the children’s genuine curiosity about the world around them and watching their development over time. It is incredible to witness the pace at which our three and four year olds are able to acquire new skills and knowledge.
Can you share a little about your teaching philosophy? “I did not come to teach you. I came to love you. Love will teach you.” -Unknown. This quote very simply sums up my teaching philosophy. For many years I focused on lesson plans, data, scores, progress reports, growth, rigor because that is what is important outside of the classroom. What politicians, policy makers and administrators do not realize is that teaching has almost nothing to do with any of that. Teaching is love. It is recognizing that each child, no matter how small has a voice and place in the world. Teaching is about making children feel unconditionally welcome in their environment and allowing them to be their true selves. When children feel loved and supported they laugh, they make friends, they take risks, they grow. And when you truly love the work that you do as a teacher, the amount of growth that can be made within a single child is limitless.
How can we make virtual learning successful? We can make virtual learning successful by engaging as partners with families and children. The key to tackling the challenge of virtual learning is going to be clear and concise communication as well as helping parents and guardians feel empowered to help build skills at home.
What are some of your favorite children’s books? Some of my favorite children’s books are: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, I Am Enough, Giraffes Can’t Dance, Dragons Love Tacos, Abiyoyo, Friendshape, All Are Welcome.
What was your favorite childhood book? My favorite childhood book was Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
If you could have any super power what would it be and why? If I could have any super power, I would want to be able to teleport to anywhere in the world. I love to travel to new places and I do not live close to any family, so I would use my powers to see the world and see my family all the time.
DCPS School Planning 