Excellent Educator: Meet Karing Kingdom's Teaching Staff
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- For this week's Excellent Educator award, a whole group of teachers were nominated at the Karing Kingdom Preschool in Lord of Life Church in Maple Grove.
They say it takes a village, and at Karing Kingdom, a team of four work together all on the same mission: to get the children ready for kindergarten.
"We focus on socialization," teacher Jennifer Ellingson said. "Playing with other kids, sharing that kind of a thing ... being in a line is a big deal, especially when you're 3."
But along with order, there's a lot of energy in the class. There are also teachings about the Bible.
"We always incorporate Christ into our message and songs," teacher Maureen Murphy said.
WCCO-TV received a number of emails about these teachers, all from parents wanting to thank them.
"People enjoy the program, the relationships, giving back," teacher Angie Schiebel said. "Christ came into the world to serve not to be served."
The preschoolers are putting that principle to use. They recently made and donated 56 blankets to the Ronald McDonald House. The kids also beat their food drive goal, so Schiebel agreed to wear a clown suit, but she was happy to do it.
"They feel so good about doing it. That's what we want them to feel, good about who they are and helping others," she said.
WCCO's Kim Johnson gave all the teachers their certificates, except for one who was absent, but it was an excused absence. Carly Tappe was in labor that morning and she gave birth to a boy, Lucas William.
When asked what makes Tappe an Excellent Educator, the other teachers said she's very organized. She even had her car packed for weeks before her due date in preparation for the baby.
If you have an Excellent Educator you'd like to nominated, drop a note on WCCO This Morning's Facebook page.