Voices from the Field

Posted on November 4, 2016 by Jennie

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This is one of a series of blogs featuring first-person accounts from early educators across Massachusetts.

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Jennie Fitzkee Jennie Fitzkee

My name is Jennie Fitzkee. I am an Early Childhood Educator teaching the Full Day, multi-age class preschool class at Groton Community School in Groton, Mass. This my 33rd year of teaching preschool. Lucky me!

“Back in the day,” women were encouraged to become a nurse, secretary, or a teacher. Fortunately, I decided to become a teacher. I made a good career choice! I use the word “career” because teaching young children is far more than a job. It shapes the lives of children and educates parents. That is powerful; both a responsibility and a thrilling challenge.

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About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over forty years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about. I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
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11 Responses to Voices from the Field

  1. Marcia Strykowski's avatar Marcia Strykowski says:
    November 4, 2016 at 7:01 am

    Wonderful first person account, great job, Jennie!

    Reply
  2. Karen DeMers Dowdall's avatar K. D. Dowdall says:
    November 4, 2016 at 7:18 am

    Is there anything more important than teaching a preschooler how to read by introducing a child to so many wonderful books by reading aloud? I don’t think so. Wonderful post Jennie. Thank you! 🙂

    Reply
    • Jennie's avatar Jennie says:
      November 4, 2016 at 6:04 pm

      Thank you, Karen. Of course I insisted my photo had to be by the bookshelf. You are so right, and reading is the #1 in my class. Did you notice the books are front facing? If only every classroom had that, much like a bookstore that excites children.

      Reply
  3. First Night Design's avatar First Night Design says:
    November 4, 2016 at 7:38 am

    We need teachers like you the world over! Lovely post to read.

    Reply
  4. crazykatya's avatar crazykatya says:
    November 4, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    You are an inspiration, Jennie!

    Reply
  5. Norah's avatar Norah says:
    November 5, 2016 at 5:50 am

    I enjoyed reading about you and your approach to working with young children, Jennie. Reading is such an important thing to do. How exciting to have Jim Trelease visit your class, and to be included in his book. That is a wonderful affirmation of the importance of your work. I agree with you that language and social skills are the foundation. Your children and their parents are fortunate to know that you are constructing those foundations strong. The extra support you provide for parents is wonderful too.

    Reply
  6. Poet Rummager's avatar Poet Rummager says:
    November 8, 2016 at 3:59 am

    Amazing reading about your dedication to teaching children for 33 years! You are a beautiful soul.

    Reply

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