Takoma Children’s School prides itself on its exceptionally talented staff. A school is only as good as the staff and teachers it hires. At TCS, we treasure our staff and teachers and value the role they play in our community. We offer competitive salaries and good benefits. Through participation in professional development, each staff member continues to add to his or her experience, skills, and knowledge of early childhood education. Fairly unique to other full-day preschools, teachers are given weekly time to plan with their colleagues to create a child-centered curriculum. We aim to retain our outstanding staff and teachers for as long as possible.
Our wise and wonderful teachers are facilitators to the children in their care and resources to their parents. In addition to many years of experience educating young children, most of our teachers have a Bachelor’s degree, while some have a Master’s degree. TCS teachers also have skills and expertise in fields outside of early childhood education, and they share those talents with your children, which include music, art, drama, dance, yoga, Spanish, gardening, cooking, photography, film, writing, storytelling, and environmental education.
We know first-time school experiences may come with challenges, but they also have rewards. The community that surrounds your child is ever-present, and together, we hope to create a strong foundation for your child’s early years.
Director
Takoma Children’s School Director Rebecca Wadler has over 20 years of teaching experience. She started at TCS in 2019 as the Bluebird’s Lead Teacher, then was the Star’s Lead Teacher, and then became the Deputy Director before stepping into the Executive Director position in 2023. She has a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and anthropology from Hamilton College and a Master’s degree from Columbia University.
Previously, she lived in the Indonesian rainforest for 6 years, doing observational research on orangutans and teaching conservation education. Then, she started a nature preschool program at a local nature center. She has been taking tap dance lessons for over 4 years and has been doing improv for the last year. She loves all animals and currently has a very large, shaggy dog – a great pyrenees mix, a guinea pig, a cockatiel, and a turtle – all rescues.
She says, “I am very honored that I get to lead a truly play-based, Reggio-inspired program with amazing teachers who respect children and nurture their creativity and curiosity to support them in becoming lifelong learners. The TCS community is very special, and I am glad I am a part of it.”
Bluebirds Teachers
Adele Woodard has seven years of teaching experience and a Bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Miami. She plays ukulele and bass, knits, crochets, and has taught outdoor education, including backpacking a section of the long trail in Vermont
She says, “I love that TCS gives us as educators the space and time to meet children where they are and respect their thoughts, feelings, and opinions. We get to give the children the space to learn and grow without judgment, which is so deeply important in developing a positive relationship with school and education as a whole. Getting to teach in a space where children are both doing an incredible amount of learning as well as feeling genuine joy from getting to come to class and be with peers is truly a gift. I am so grateful that we get to be the best educators that we can be and that we get to see the difference in the children that we work with.”
Natashia Hagans has 26 years of teaching experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Sojourner Douglass College.
She says, “ I love exploring with children their growth in social, physical, and emotional development. Watching children learn to think of others’ needs and work together as a classroom community gives me hope for our world.”
Stars Teachers
Anic Gowens has five years of teaching experience, a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Florida. They also have experience writing curricula for and teaching Sunday School.
They say: “I love watching children develop confidence in themselves as they explore, play, and try new things. My favorite thing to hear in the classroom is “look, I did it!” As children transition from adult support to peer-to-peer support, they begin to recognize how capable they are, sparking a new excitement for learning.”
Erick Flores has nine years of teaching experience and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in child development. He also has experience as an assistant coach for a kids’ basketball team.
He says he most enjoys “watching the kids’ development as they grow and progress from the Bluebirds to the Stars and then Rainbows, and how much we work to create a great community in the school and neighborhood.”
Pat Kelbaugh has over 30 years of teaching experience and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson State University. She directed children and adult choirs for over 20 years and owns a dance studio in Gaithersburg, MD, where she teaches ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and pointe. She also has two children and six grandchildren.
Rainbows Teachers
Ester Kiper has 26 years of teaching experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Universidade Sao Marcos in Sao Paulo, Brasil. She also has experience working with children with special needs and as a child therapist in Brasil.
She says: “Working at TCS brings me immense joy for several reasons. First, witnessing the positive impact I can make in the lives of children is incredibly fulfilling. Observing their growth is a rewarding experience. One of the most gratifying aspects of teaching here is fostering creativity. The imaginative and innovative ideas that children bring to the classroom are truly inspiring. Their unique perspectives contribute to a vibrant learning environment. Engaging in meaningful conversations with the children is a constant source of inspiration. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and the exchanges we share create a rich and fulfilling teaching experience. In essence, the journey at TCS allows me to contribute to the development of these young minds and witness the transformation throughout the school year. It’s a privilege to be part of their learning adventure.”
Cindy Turcios has eight years of teaching experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Family Science.
She appreciates that Takoma Children’s School is “a place that gives children the opportunity to explore their own interests and guide their learning through play and exploration.”
Alice Young has ten years of teaching experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education specializing in English Literature from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. She also has experience as an outdoor education/wilderness guide and as a horseback riding and skiing instructor.
She says, “I love working here because of the school’s dedication to nurturing individual growth and curiosity. It’s amazing to watch the children explore, innovate, and learn every day in new ways.”
floater
Pat Schreiber has 42 years of preschool teaching experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maryland, College Park. She has taken supplemental coursework in Hearing and Speech Development and American Sign Language and has worked as a volunteer clinician in a Children’s Health and Development Clinic. She also has experience coordinating intergenerational programming for preschoolers and seniors.
She says, “TCS provides an environment that respects and supports children and their right to self-chosen, self-directed play. I am able to develop a deep understanding of each child and their individual interests and passions.