Spotlight on our Kindergarten Team

Kindergarten is a pivotal year in a child’s development. Quite often, it’s the first time children are in school, which means they are learning several new academic and social skills throughout the year. Although excellent teachers are crucial for every grade level, it is especially important that kindergarten teachers are effective, warm, and caring.

Here at Atlas, we are lucky to have six incredible kindergarten teachers and co-teachers on staff with a combined 51 years of experience! Let’s learn a little bit more about them and what they like best about teaching at Atlas.

Mr. Andrew, who was named the 2020-2021 Kindergarten educator of the year in his former district, works hard to establish a positive classroom culture where each of his students feels safe, welcomed, and valued. Mr. Andrew believes that “kids need lots of opportunities to receive feedback on their work. It keeps them accountable and improves their self-confidence.” He appreciates that Atlas’s co-teacher model (and he has a fantastic one in Ms. Tory!), which enables small group instruction, allows teachers to give students the personalized attention they need to thrive. 

With an easy sense of humor and an innate ability to accept every little person they meet exactly as they are, Ms. Valentine and her co-teacher Mr. Flores have created a classroom environment where students are excited to come to school and where they feel free to express themselves. When asked what they like best about Ms. Valentine, students agreed that she has "some good stories" and "makes [them] feel happy!" She is a true team player and believes the “team at Atlas operates like a well-oiled machine. We are a family of educators who care so deeply for our students, families, and each other!” 

You won’t find a kindergarten classroom that is more joyful than Ms. Zilm and Ms. Delaney’s! From day one, they create an environment where every student becomes part of their “family,” and they set the bar high for their students to achieve great things… and they consistently rise to the challenge! Kids in Ms. Zilm’s class love coming to school and she loves teaching them! When asked what her favorite part about teaching at Atlas is, she responded, “the hugs, the happiness, the smiles, the kids– everyone is happy and helping and JOYFUL! You don’t leave Atlas feeling emotionally and physically drained at the end of the day, but instead you leave feeling appreciated and supported! Atlas created a culture that’s so uplifting and fulfilling.”