Getting To Know Our Preschool Teachers, Kristin George And Carmen Griffith

Preschool students are our littlest learners.

The 3-year-olds start the year having likely never been in a school setting, and everything is new to them. In their excitement to attend school, their endless energy is applied to everything they do.

We are blessed with two wonderful preschool teachers at St. Peter Catholic School — Kristin George, who teaches the 3-year-old class, and Carmen Griffith, who teaches the 4-year-old class.

Mrs. George has been a teacher for 20 years — seven of those here at St. Peter’s. Ms. Griffith has spent most of her adult life working with children and has been at St. Peter’s for 19 years. She’s happy to say that the preschool program has grown since she started, and has enjoyed every single student she’s worked with over the years.

“I’ve always wanted the students to be excited to come to school,” Ms. Griffith says. “I want them to know they are loved and safe.”

Both love the wonderful environment at the school. Everyone wants to see one another succeed, and that is truly beautiful — staff members work as a team for the good of the students.

“We want every one of our students to grow to their God-given potential,” Mrs. George says.

“At St. Peter’s, it’s really a family,” Ms. Griffith says. “It’s been fun to watch multiple children in a family go through the program.”

For both teachers, preschool is such a wonderful age. The students enjoy everything about school, from learning to playtime.

“I have worked with children pretty much my whole life,” Ms. Griffith says. “I’ve found the age I want to work with, and that’s 4-yearolds.”

Mrs. George most enjoys teaching the students about Jesus and the Bible.

“It is inspirational to see them grasp God’s love and power,” she says. “Their eyes light up, and their hands shoot up in the air to find out more.”

Ms. Griffith enjoys teaching language and literacy.

“It’s great to lay the foundation for them to be great readers,” she says.

Both teachers love teaching at a place where they can openly share the faith. God is weaved into everything, and the children learn that all the trials and joys of life can be brought to God.

“Teaching the faith gives me hope that our next leaders can and will make the world a better place to live,” Mrs. George says.

“We can take Jesus with us everywhere we go,” Ms. Griffith says. “I make sure the kids know that just because they are little doesn’t mean Jesus doesn’t hear their prayers. Jesus listens to them and loves them.”

Ms. Griffith taught in the program long before Mrs. George came to St. Peter’s. Mrs. George appreciates how Ms. Griffith has always been there for her and extends her gratitude for all of Ms. Griffith’s support and guidance.

“Ms. Griffith couldn’t have provided any more time or effort in helping me feel confident,” Mrs. George says. “I am so thankful for her.”

Ms. Griffith shares the sentiment — the two teachers make a great team.

“It’s nice to have a teaching partner to bring questions to,” Ms. Griffith says. “They know how it is to work with kids this age.”

In her free time, Mrs. George loves napping, reading, cooking, and spending time with family, including her two daughters.

Ms. Griffith loves to read, do crafts and spend time with her two children and two grandchildren. She also loves being in the backyard with her two dogs.

(From left) Carmen Griffith and Kristin George