Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Factors that influenced me to become a teacher were having the support of my family who always inspired me to follow my dreams. Having a strong family support system inspired me to include my students' families in their learning. Family engagement has shown to have positive results in student achievement. I believe the key component is communication between educators and parents. When teachers and parents/caregivers stay connected, it becomes a community of helpers for the child’s success. When in place, students of all race and socioeconomic status will reach their highest potential as a result of shared responsibility. A shared responsibility plays a significant part and I have witnessed the success during my 20 years of teaching. As a teacher in a large urban district, I have seen how the students flourish socially and academically when there is active family engagement. Family can be considered an aunt, uncle, mom, dad, siblings, friends and even a large group of elderly grandparents that try their best to show love and compassion. I can conclude that students will be driven to academic success when they have people around them that show them that they care about their success as well as celebrate their efforts, no matter the outcome. I can attest to that.

As an educator, I feel that I make a positive impact in the lives of my students. Offering them many opportunities to explore, investigate, and analyze in a warm, safe, caring environment that embraces diversity while exposed to many developmentally appropriate practices will ensure that the needs of my students are met and optimal learning occurs. Inviting parents to be active participants in their child's learning is essential to build a strong home and school connection. I often invite parents to work on activities that involve sharing family traditions. I believe that activities like these help build strong connections. As a result, I have determined that developmentally appropriate practices in a danger-free environment that offers children many opportunities to explore and grow will provide every child the best opportunity to learn.

Child Development Associate

Melissa Llano has been a member of the Elizabeth Public Schools community since 2019 and is currently a Child Development Associate (CDA) at Donald Stewart Early Childhood Center School No. 51.