
MemberÌýSpotlight: Charlotte Brown
"I want to be the professional I searched high and low for when my son was young. I want to be the warm, welcoming and nurturing educator. I want to be the person who parents feel they can leave their most precious pride and joy with."Ìý-Charlotte Brown, Lead Teacher, Wayne State University-Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute Early Childhood Center.Ìý51³Ô¹ÏÍø Member since 2015.|
Charlotte Brown was nominated by Naimah Wade, a 51³Ô¹ÏÍø member and program manager in Educational Outreach and International Programs at Wayne State University who had a daughter in Mrs. Brown's classroom.Ìý"Her passion for creating a nurturing environment where children thrive was evident from our first interaction, but our expectations were continually exceeded throughout the year. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have had this imprint, this love for curiosity and exploration left on our daughter. Although our little one has moved on to kindergarten, the experience she had with Mrs. Brown are still impacting her. She is a truly dedicated teacher whose commitment to excellence should be lifted up because it truly models the behavior and embodies the standards of high quality, authentic learning that 51³Ô¹ÏÍø ascribes to."
Why did you decide to enter the ECE field?
Years ago when my son was young, I searched high and low for the perfect learning environment. I wantedÌýthis environment to be diverse, warm, welcoming, and nurturing. I wanted it equipped with trainedÌýprofessionals who provided interactions with children. Unfortunately, I did not find what I was looking for. ItÌýbroke my heart being faced with the reality of leaving my child in a environment I knew didn't suffice. ThisÌýis when I knew what I wanted to do.
What are some accomplishments you are particularly proud of?
A year after I became a lead teacher, my children and I hosted a family night which featured our 3 1/2Ìýmonth space project. It was a great success. The children worked extremely hard and were consistentlyÌýengaged throughout the duration of the project. I had 100% participation from my parents and withoutÌýthem we would not have completed our project.ÌýTo read more about this project, visit the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø blog.
Why did you become an 51³Ô¹ÏÍø member?
My center provides 51³Ô¹ÏÍø membership to all teachers, and so we became 51³Ô¹ÏÍø members at that time.
What is your favorite 51³Ô¹ÏÍø memory?
Unfortunately, I myself have not had the opportunity of attending the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Annual Conference but myÌýdirector attends. Upon her return, she brings back an abundance of information and new ideas for ourÌýclassrooms. Our entire center does get an opportunity to attend the Michigan AEYC which is held annuallyÌýin Grand Rapids, MI. Over the past few years that I've attended the Michigan AEYC, the keynote speakersÌýhas always been my greatest memory. Their enthusiasm and love for education is shown in so many ways.
What 51³Ô¹ÏÍø benefit do you MOST value ?
I find the articles to be the most valuable. They have become helpful to me in my everyday life as anÌýeducator, parent, and student. As an educator, the need for learning never stops. When issues or concernsÌýarise, I turn directly to the resources 51³Ô¹ÏÍø provides.
What is your favorite children's book and why?
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. This particular book has become one of my favorite children's booksÌýover the course of the last few years. The book clearly identifies the significance of separation anxietyÌýwhich can occur with children who are starting school for the first time. Not only have I used this book inÌýthese particular situations, but I've also found it to be useful when children are sad and missing theirÌýfamily. Each time I read it, it fills my heart with fond memories of my son.
Tell us something fun about yourself:
I love to travel with my son. We travel all around the world. Now that he is a teenager, I find it difficult toÌýspend time with him so I drive him around from place to place just to have a little mommy and son time.