For the past eight years, Warren Williams Preschool has been home to countless bright beginnings, and preschool teacher Mrs. Paula Goldston has been at the heart of so many of them.
Mrs. Goldston describes preschool as the place where everything starts. "I love preschool because we set the foundation. We're the starting point. So, if we set a good foundation for these students, the rest of their learning experience can be excellent."
In her classroom, those foundations include vital social and emotional skills that help students transition smoothly into elementary school and beyond. She also takes pride in helping young learners build early literacy skills that she knows will support them for many years to come. "If they don't have a good grasp of those skills, many students have a hard time transitioning. If a child has those fundamental skills, literacy and social and emotional, they do very well as they move up."
But when you ask Goldston what brings her the most joy, she doesn't hesitate. "I love seeing the student's lightbulb go off. When the students learn something and they come running up to you and say, 'Mrs. Goldston! I got it!' it is just the greatest feeling for me."
While academics are always important, Mrs. Goldston hopes that her students take more than just basic skills from her classroom. "I hope that they know that Mrs. Goldston does love them. I hope that they carry with them to always do the right thing. I hope that they are empowered to speak up for themselves."
As for teaching at Warren Williams? She describes it as a gift. "It is an awesome place to teach. You could be having a hard day and these preschoolers, they come in and they just love you, they give you hugs and just smile. They just make your day better every day."
Thank you, Mrs. Goldston, for building strong foundations, creating joyful classrooms, and helping our youngest learners thrive.