T. Amy

Teacher Amy Sarachman

Pre-K Goldfinch

BA, Miami University
MA and PhD, Penn State University

Learn about T. Amy

Amy Sarachman (she/hers) was born and raised in Ohio. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Miami University, and moved on to Penn State to complete her Master’s and PhD in Speech Communication. Amy taught at the college level for many years at Penn State, West Chester University and the College of Lake County, before resigning from her tenure track position to focus on motherhood and raising her children: Rachel and Eric.

Perhaps fate intervened when her son’s preschool needed a teacher. Amy’s mother owned and operated a nursery school for 24 years, and she was well equipped to step into the role. About 20 years later, she continues to show up with great creative enthusiam every day. She’s been with FSMH for about 5 years.

T. Amy’s Teaching Philosophy

“I believe every child has something special to offer the world and my job is to bring that quality out and nurture it.”

“I believe I need to make learning a fun and positive experience for EVERYONE in the room because this is often the child’s introduction to a long educational journey.”

“I believe in PULLING children into the activities, not PUSHING them–that’s why I offer activities that I think are fun too because if I’m having fun along with them the children are likely to “buy into’ what’s going on.”

“I love open-ended art projects (so that given the same materials no two students’ projects look exactly alike!), problem-solving and brainstorming opportunities (e.g., asking the children to choose what treat they should get for filling the Cutting Jar, what our next Dramatic Play center should be, etc), and hands-on activities like science experiments for which the children are touching, stirring, adding ingredients, mixing, observing, and drawing conclusions.”

“I love offering the children a variety of play opportunities and ample time to explore them (we begin our day with 45 – 60 minutes of Free Choice time and we have shorter periods of time throughout the day for free choice as well).”

“I especially love play of the highest order–pretend play–so I spend a lot of time developing new opportunities for this type of play which we call Dramatic Play.”

“Our Dramatic Play center includes dress-up clothes, props for pretend play and a literacy rich environment. This was the place where the children could pretend they were firefighters, dog groomers, donut shop employees, veterinarians, baby nursery workers, a family in a kitchen, taco stand employees, paleontologists, doctors, ice skaters, and more!”