1. Why did you become a teacher?

Ice-cream taster didn't pay enough? ;)  No really, I babysat from the time I was 12 on.  I had a babysitting kit before babysitting kits were cool and I loved the job!  When I was 18 I had my wisdom teeth pulled and two days later I started my first "real" job with kids, in the 2 year old room at Kinder Care.  I loved it and figured if I could teach kiddos when I had just had my wisdom teeth pulled it must be my thing!  When I was in college I directed an after school program for kids from our local housing project and my heart was lost forever!  From there I went on to get various degrees in education and have taught every age from 2 year old to college students.  I'm currently in a primary Montessori classroom and love it just as much as every other grade I have taught.

2. What is your greatest teaching moment?  

It's hard to pinpoint one moment.  I think the best moments are those that are filled with the light of a child glowing with the joy of learning something new.  When they figure out for themselves, completely apart from anything that I can ever tell them that they own knowledge.  That's pure greatness!

3. Do you have a funny story to share?  

It's tough to pick out one funny story.  I spend most of my days laughing at the hilarious things my kiddos do and say and if I am not laughing at them I am laughing with them while they discover the world around them!

4. What is your advice to parents?

Let them be.  Embrace the wonder.  Step back.  Believe in them.  Have fun!

5. What is your advice for teachers who are just starting out?

Have fun and know that the best you is all you have to offer young lives so offer it with all you've got and know that it is enough!

6. What is your favorite children’s book?

I'm a children's book-aholic so that is really tough but I would have to say Miss Rumphius & Thank You Mr. Falker and two of my favorites.  Star Girl & Sarah Special are two more favorites but they are young adult.

7. What do you like best about Bloomz?  

It's an all in one way to communicate with families without having to use multiple platforms and methods.  It's instantaneous, easy to use and it's the BOMB! :)

I'm Stacie Mandrell, mom to 3, wife to 1, zoo keeper to 10 including 1 dog, 2 cats, 4 chickens, 1 ball python, and 2 winter white dwarf hamsters.  I love Jesus, my family, my friends and running.  I've been in education for 20+ years.  My adventures have included public school classroom teaching from 3 year olds through 5th grade, University teaching of undergrad and graduate pre service teachers, Regional Literacy Coach for the State of South Carolina, Regional Literacy Specialist for Houghton Mifflin Publishing Co. and Founder of a public inquiry based charter school.  In the midst of all that I also opened and ran my own scrapbook store for a skinny minute.  I have been a Primary Montessori teacher for the last 4 years and I love it!