When students and parents are asked, "What makes Tigard Playschool special?" the answer is inevitably "our teachers!" We feel that the love and devotion they pour into this school is unmatched. They have a special connection with the children and are in tune with their needs. Our teachers give our children so much self-confidence and self-esteem that they are eager to learn and try new things. All of our teachers attend professional workshops and conferences, and are members of the Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Teacher Susie -
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Director, Instructor of 3's, Mixed-Age 9am, Pre-K Classes for the 2009-2010 school year
 Susie Long-Clark has been a teacher at Tigard Playschool since 1993. She is the Director of the school and teaches the Pre-K and Threes classes. Susie earned her degree in Early Childhood Education and has been involved in the education of young children since 1979. Additionally, she has served on the State Board of Parent Child Preschools of Oregon (PCPO).
Susie is a warm and gentle person with a passion for teaching. She encourages children to express their unique talents and interests while exploring new activities and building friendships. The activities in her classroom foster growth in each child’s social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Children are readily drawn to Susie’s enthusiastic approach to learning and dynamic energy in the classroom.
In February of 2000, Susie won a District award from PCPI (Parent Co-op Preschools International). The award was given in appreciation of her outstanding contributions to the organization and to the parent cooperative preschool movement. Susie was one of only three people to receive this distinction and honor.
Susie lives in Tigard with her husband John and their sons. They also open their home to special needs foster children. In addition to teaching preschool, Susie enjoys listening to good music, laughing often, learning how to use the computer and playing monopoly with her sons. Most of all, she enjoys giving and receiving hugs.
Teacher Trudi -
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Instructor of 2's and Mixed-Age 10am Classes for the 2009-2010 school year
 Trudi Sang has a Masters of Education Degree with a focus on Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She has been an educator since 1979 and has a strong background in the field of Early Childhood Education. Trudi has taught at the Portland State University Lab School and held a faculty position at Portland Community College. Trudi has played many roles at Tigard Playschool including parent, Assistant Teacher and Substitute Teacher. She brings her experience as a professional clown, storyteller and actress into the classroom.
Trudi is a patient and nurturing person who is respectful of children's needs. She uses her in-depth knowledge of child development to create a classroom environment that is warm and inviting. Trudi also helps children to develop at their own pace and gain confidence in their abilities. Students are drawn to her gentle manner and positive attitude. Her greatest desire is to share and teach so that others can grow and find success.
Trudi lives in Tigard with her husband, son and two daughters. Trudi has a passion for the performing arts and works as a drama director with high school students and adults. She also serves as a Youth Coach at her church. Trudi enjoys folk dancing, singing and spending time with her family. Saadia
Teacher Meg -
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LEAP and Extended Day Instructor for the 2009-2010 school year
 Meg Schecter has a Masters in Teaching from Lewis and Clark College and has been in education since 1996. Before starting a family, Meg taught preschool in Lake Oswego and grades Kindergarten, First, Fourth and Fifth in the Beaverton School District.
Meg is enthusiastic and nurturing. She encourages students to explore various learning avenues and supports each child's different learning style. Meg lives in West Linn with her husband and two sons.
Teacher Saadia -
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Assistant Teacher for the 2009-2010 school year
 Saadia has lived in Oregon with her husband and children since 1997. She has many years of experience as a co-op preschool parent. Her son attended a co-op playschool in Albuquerque and both of her daughters attended Tigard Playschool. Needless to say she is a big fan of TPI! She has a college degree in Economics and English Literature. She also has Early Childhood Education credits and plans to get her certificate in the future.
Saadia is passionate about children, family and reading. She enjoys planning fun trips and activities for her children and their friends. She is also active in volunteer activities involving a local youth group and a homeless shelter. Her basic philosophy about children is that they need our patience, understanding and time. Each child is unique and whereas certain rules need to be followed by all, some rules need to be bent for and adapted to individual children.
Saadia looks forward to forming a wonderful bond with the children at Tigard Playschool and learning a lot from their teachers and parents.
Teacher Kayla -
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LEAP and Extended Day Assistant Teacher for the 2009-2010 school year
Kayla McAfee holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and has seven years of preschool teaching experience. The last eight years she has been a stay at home mom with five of those years involved in preschool co-ops. Three of her children have attended Tigard Playschool.
Kayla is compassionate, patient and nurturing with a love of all children. Kayla lives in Tigard with her husband and four daughters, enjoys literature, Broadway musicals and spending time with her family!
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Our Teachers 
