I was born and raised in Auburndale. I graduated from Auburndale Senior High School in 1989. After high school, I attended Polk Community College and the University of Central Florida. I then worked as a Sales Representative to a local food distributor for seven years. After my first son was born, I decided to become a full time mom. Two years later, my second son came along. At this time, I decided to open a daycare. I operated the daycare for five years. Once my youngest son approached school age, I thought it would be a great time to return to work. I went back to school and graduated in December, 2005 from Warner Southern College. I received my certification in education in the Spring of 2006. In the fall of 2006, I joined the Berkley family as a third grade teacher. What an awesome experience it was to go to school at Berkley right along with my two wonderful sons! During the 2007-2008 school year, I was the third grade team leader, a member of the curriculum committee, a member of the tutoring committee, as well as a third grade reading tutor. What a great privilege it is to serve Berkley in this capacity!
My teaching philosophy became instilled in me at a very young age. My parents were educators in the Polk County Public Schools for over forty years. Through them, I saw the difference teachers make in the lives of the children they teach; appreciated what dedicated teachers in a good school offer children; and learned the value of a good education. I grew up seeing the sacrifices teachers make, the time they invest, and the hope they provide. I understood that teaching was more that just standing in a classroom giving instructions; teaching is giving yourself completely to your students, giving them opportunities to achieve their dreams.
I believe in investing time and energy into students, enabling them to reach their maximum potential through the highest level of education, encouragement, love and support. I believe in showing, through education and personal actions, acceptance of others who are different from us. I believe in working together with the students and other educators to provide a better environment for children to learn, to play, and to grow in.
Each child is a blessing, and it is a joy and privilege to teach your child to grow not only academically but also emotionally, morally, and physically. Thank you for entrusting me with your child!
Many blessings,
Ms. Stephens