Meet Our Tutor Time Staff – Ms. Emalee, Lead Early Preschool Teacher

Meet Ms. Emalee, lead early preschool teacher at Tutor Time in Andover, MN. She worked in child care during her years in high school and attended Iowa State University in Ames where she studied child, adult and family services and early childhood. Read our Q&A with Emalee to learn more about her background and interests!

Tell us some more about your background and why you chose a career in early education!

Right out of college I worked with Lutheran services in Iowa in Fort Dodge and then I was a preschool teacher in Iowa after that. I love working with the young children. They’re fun to work with and it’s exciting to help them discover new things. I feel like it’s something that is maybe overlooked by some people that education and early childhood is not a necessary thing, or really important thing, but it is.

Why do you feel early childhood education programs are necessary for children?

I think it really prepares them for kindergarten. When they get to kindergarten,  they’re ready. They’re not trying to catch up. Also, the social/emotional part of it is huge because they can learn how to self soothe and they know what to do when they get upset or frustrated. They know they need to use their words and talk to someone.

What has been your favorite accomplishment in your career?

Just getting all the kids into their routine and knowing what to expect. It was kind of crazy when I first got here and they were just all over the place. Just getting to that routine where they know what to expect.

Do you have a fun memorable moment you’d like to share?

There’s one there was a little girl who was just sitting there with her glass of milk staring out the window and all of a sudden, she dropped it in her lap and it got everywhere. All she did was look at me and say, “Miss Emalee, I forgot how to drink.”

What was your favorite subject when you were in school?

I really liked the developmental classes and learning about why things are developing at certain ages, what’s going on in the brain as they’re growing and why different things develop as they do.

If your students could describe you in one word, what would it be?

I guess goofy. They call me goofy a lot.

What do you love about working at Tutor Time?

The other teachers are great to work with and they are helpful and supportive. If we need something, management is always willing to help and get that for us. And the kids are great. They are hilarious and ready to learn.