For Noreen Reeder, teaching is more than a profession; it’s a calling deeply rooted in her passion for nurturing young minds. As a teacher at Spark! Discovery Preschool, Reeder brings enthusiasm, innovation, and a heartfelt commitment to creating an engaging learning environment for her students.

Reeder began her career as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Blue Mountain Elementary School, where she discovered her love for teaching young children. Reeder pursued advanced studies by enrolling in a Masters program at the University of Colorado Denver and Boulder Journey School. Immersed in Early Childhood Education and the Reggio Emilia Approach, she gained a profound understanding of teaching and learning dynamics.

“The Reggio approach is a method that engages children, parents, and the community as essential components to the learning process and teaching; this has changed the way I view my relationship with the students in my care,” explained Reeder. “Children are viewed as capable and competent learners from the moment they are born and possess more than 100 languages to communicate their thoughts, needs, desires, and ideas.” Following the completion of her studies, Reeder found her home at Spark! Discovery Preschool, where she has dedicated the last three years to teaching.

For Reeder, Spark! has evolved into a community of collaboration and relationship-building, a place where educators come together to share ideas and inspire one another. “It’s wonderful to be surrounded by early childhood educators with whom I can bounce ideas off and learn by asking questions and observing in their classrooms,” she stated.

In Reeder’s classroom, collaboration is paramount to creating a unique and engaging environment. She believes in sharing the responsibility of teaching and learning with her paraprofessionals and her students, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among all. “My classroom is a blend of all of our knowledge, and we strive to share it equally,” she stated. “If a child has an idea or if they share something that is important to them, I incorporate that into our experiences.”

Reeder’s commitment to growth and development as a teacher is resolute, grounded in the belief that educators must continually evolve to meet the needs of their students. “I believe teachers are researchers; we must continually learn in order to stay ‘up to speed’ in a world where children are exposed to ever-changing technology,” she emphasized. Reeder sees herself as a lifelong learner, constantly seeking opportunities for professional development.

Maintaining a sense of curiosity and playfulness is essential to staying inspired and motivated in her role. “We must look at our careers like children look at the world,” she reflects, “they see each day as a new experience soaking up all the knowledge they can.” With this perspective in mind, Reeder embraces moments of play and spontaneity in the classroom, recognizing that laughter and joy are essential ingredients in making learning truly memorable and impactful.