(Editor’s note: This is the seventh installment in our monthly feature called “Meet the Teacher,” where readers have a chance to know each of our dedicated educators a little better.)
Title: Preschool teacher
Time with KidWorks: 13 years
Favorite part about working at KidWorks: “Spending time with my students, observing their development as they gain new skills daily. Their laughter, happiness and love for learning are truly rewarding!”
Favorite KidWorks’ memory: “Watching a butterfly’s lifecycle from beginning to end and letting it go. As it flew away, the students were all excited, screaming and running, saying goodbye.”
When the KidWorks high school class of 2023 graduates later this year, Minda Barrera will recognize several of those in caps and gowns.
That’s because she’s known them since 2010 when they were students in our state-licensed preschool. All are anticipated to go on to a college or university.
This month’s “Meet the Teacher” honoree will be full of pride as she watches that graduation ceremony, knowing she played a vital part in helping them earn their diplomas.
Minda has taught for 13 years at our preschool and has a career as an educator spanning 21 years. Her first role was a teacher’s aide at Santa Ana College. She then had positions at an independent preschool and at a church preschool.
“I have fond memories of the first KidWorks class I worked with,” Minda recalls. “I’ve seen these students grow throughout the years, especially when they stay enrolled in our programs from preschool to graduation and then on to college or a university. This year, God is allowing me to witness the preschool class of 2010 graduate high school.”
Our youngest scholars are already singing Minda’s praises.
Valentina, age 4, says she loves her preschool teacher because she’s with her at KidWorks and “never goes to another school!”
Grethel, age 5, says she also loves Minda because “she’s a good teacher and works well at KidWorks.”
Nathan, age 4, says he appreciates how Minda “always works with me.”
Idalia Galdamez, our Preschool Director, agrees with all those sentiments.
“Minda is a phenomenal teacher who has strong skills in communicating, listening, adaptability, reliability, empathy and patience,” Idalia says.
She adds, “Minda has an effective and engaging classroom presence and values the uniqueness of individual students, her peers, our volunteers and parents. Minda applies ‘best practices’ in teaching and promotes a lifelong love of learning.”
Idalia says Minda’s leadership traits include “enthusiasm, fostering positive classroom management, purposeful teaching and mentorship.”
“Minda has built great rapport with everyone she works with; that includes students, parents, volunteers, interns, peers and KidWorks’ employees,” Idalia says.
Minda holds a bachelor’s degree in child and adolescence studies. Yet, there’s nothing like 21 years as an educator to allow her to anticipate every possible classroom situation—especially with three to five year old girls and boys with boundless energy and curiosity.
“At these ages, they absorb everything like little sponges,” Minda says. “That includes everything they see, hear and learn. When they encounter something confusing or scary, my role is to be there to guide them.”
Minda adds, “Our preschoolers are also learning about themselves, how things function around them, how to manage emotions and how to control their impulses. Seeing them grow and make sense of their world is a great joy that I cherish. Watching their faces light up when learning something new is also a great blessing.”
Minda describes being a teacher in our two daily preschool sessions as “nonstop fun!”
A typical day includes:
· Serving snacks and lunch
· Playground activities
· Teaching healthy nutritional habits
· Supervising large group time for reading, singing, dancing, chanting, exercising (including body movement yoga and stretching) and more
· Supervising outdoor time, such as painting and bicycle riding
· Leading small group, teacher-guided activities, such as art, writing and cooking
· Encouraging socializing, problem and conflict solving, along with play
As a daily preschool session concludes, Minda assists the preschoolers in reflecting on what they did and learned that day and then “saying goodbye to all our friends.”
In her spare time, Minda enjoys road trips, long walks and being in nature.
But it’s clear that what gives her the most joy is serving as a preschool teacher.
“Being an educator brings me so much happiness,” she says. “I’m blessed to work with amazing people and parents. I can teach all the subjects I once learned about when I was a student: math, science, dance, music and physical education, just everything. I love it.”
The preschool class of 2010 is now the high school graduating class of 2023 and on their way to a college or university. Our March “Meet the Teacher” honoree has had a profound positive influence on each of them—and hundreds of other KidWorks preschoolers—as they took that first step in their ongoing education and prepared for meaningful and rewarding careers.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
If you would you like to personally say “thanks” to Minda for the way she is developing our youngest scholars, please email her at: arminda.barreravargas@kidworksoc.org