Meet Teacher Carly
Teacher Carly spent many years as member and board member of NTCP where she quickly discovered her love for the cooperative preschool model and of course, North Tacoma Cooperative Preschool. She had many hands-on hours in the classroom as a working parent and Substitute Teacher before having the honor of being the full time Teacher!
Carly’s teaching philosophy is based on the belief that children learn best through experience and play. Her goal is to make every child feel special and valued as a part of the classroom community. As a parent of young children, she likes routine and believes kids like to know what to expect!
Outside of the classroom, Carly enjoys gardening, reading, running or walking her dog, and most importantly, time with her family.
Here are some of Teacher Carly’s favorite things:
Favorite classroom activity: Building tracks and ramps for the cars and making castles with the magnetic tiles on the light table.
Favorite childrens book: Right now it is Ish by Peter Reynolds but that changes a lot.
Favorite thing to do outside of work: Currently it's just playing in my backyard with my family while the sun is still out.
Favorite color: Blue. I love light blue and dark blue and any blue in between.
Favorite animal: Dog – I have a medium sized mutt named Tex.
Meet Teacher Nicole
Teacher Nicole spent six years as part of the wonderful NTCP community with her own two children before stepping into her role as teacher. Nicole has years of hands-on experience as a working parent in the classroom, a substitute teacher, and a member of the NTCP Board.
During this time, Nicole fell in love with the co-op model and its focus on community and play-based learning.
Nicole’s goal is to foster a love of learning and curiosity in all of her students. She believes in a child-centered and hands-on approach to learning, where children have space to explore and discover through play.
Outside of school, Nicole is an artist and loves to draw and paint in her free time. Being near the ocean is her happy place, and spending time with her family is her favorite pastime of all.
Here are some of Teacher Nicole’s favorite things:
Favorite classroom activity: Art! Creating new art projects for the class is my favorite part of the day.
Favorite children’s book: I will always love “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson, “Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae, and “Xander’s Panda Party” by Linda Sue Park.
Favorite thing to do outside of work: In addition to drawing, painting and sculpting, I enjoy running, bird watching, and cold plunging in the Puget Sound.
Favorite color: Dusty rose
Favorite animal: I can’t pick just one! Orcas, ravens (really all birds), and cats are definitely a few favorites. But, my most favorite animal of all is Gus, our handsome cat at home.
Meet Teacher Debbie
I have been working as a cooperative preschool teacher since 2013 and value the benefits that forging relationships with families has on the whole child. My role as an educator is to support and structure educational goals in a hands-on way that engages and excites children. I believe that play is the work of childhood and seek to provide meaningful, experiential learning opportunities for children of all ages.
I am also a mother, gardener, baker, hiker and avid Michigan fan. I have lived in the Puget sound area since 2010 and love exploring all of its beauty with my two young children.
