Teaching Excellence Pre-K teacher earns Crystal Apple Teaching Award for Excellence in Early Education Vasha Johnson, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Meadowcreek Elementary School, smiles on her way to work as she mentally prepares to lead engaging activities for her class of 4-year-old students as they begin to take the first steps in their educational journey. She can also smile because she was recently recognized for her hard work and dedication to her students. Johnson was one of 10 recipients in Tarrant County to be awarded the Crystal Apple Teaching Award for Excellence in Early Education from Child Care Associates. Johnson credits her co-teacher, Ms. Jalisa Spence, for helping provide an engaging educational environment for the district’s youngest learners. “They came and knocked on the door and surprised us,” Johnson said. “I was very excited for our class, because this is something we all earned together.” Whether they are singing songs or working in stations, she knows the early attention she gives her young learners will pay huge dividends in their future. “Early childhood is so important,” Johnson said. “It’s the foundation all students need from the start. At this age, the students are so innocent, moldable and eager to learn.” Crowley ISD emphasizes early childhood to give students a jumpstart on their education. Johnson believes that one of the most significant issues in education today is the critical need for social and emotional learning and character education.
“The emotional, social and physical development of young children has a direct effect on their overall development and on the adults they will become,” Johnson said. “It is so important to invest in our early childhood programs, so we are able to maximize their future well-being.” The district expanded its Pre-K program for the 2018-19 school year, making it possible to educate 900 students this year. The district offers half-day Pre-K for 3-year-olds, full-day Pre-K for 4-year-olds and partners with Head Start to offer additional Pre-K services for both ages at a limited number of campuses. “It is truly an exciting time in Crowley ISD,” Dr. Helena Mosely, executive director of elementary education, said. “We have the opportunity to allow them to experience school two years before kindergarten. When we talk about being ‘kinder ready,’ we’re both talking about academically and socially. That’s a huge advantage for our students.”
Learn more about Crowley ISD’s Pre-K program and the eligibility requirements at www.crowleyisdtx.org/PreK
Spring 2019 | CROWLEY ISD CONNECTIONS 7
