Scholarship Program Strengthens Teachers, Benefits Children

Ashley Espolt, Jessamin Conway and Sheri Contreras

If you were to see Sheri Contreras, Jessamin Conway and Ashley Espolt at work, one thing would be clear: they have a passion for educating young children. The three women work as child care professionals at Discovery Connection Preschool in Clarkdale, and they know that what they do makes a difference- now and for years to come.

 “Developmentally, preschool helps young kids build a foundation for life” said Sheri Contreras, Preschool Director. “As a teacher, I love to see them growing and learning and knowing that I’m a part of that.”

Ashley Espolt a recent high school graduate, has been working at Discovery Connection for only six months, but loves working at the preschool so much that she plans to make early childhood education a lifetime career.

 Jessamin Conway wakes up excited to go to work. Even if she gets up on the wrong side of the bed, “you’re with these kids for ten minutes, and your mood is brightened,” she said. “These children are the world. I’ve fallen head over heels in love with this job.”

These women are driven by enthusiasm, but they know it takes more than passion to be a good teacher. Being a top-notch early childhood educator also requires special skills and knowledge. Since 90% of a child’s brain develops before age five, the brain connections the young kids of Discovery Connection are making now – with the guidance of their teachers- are laying the foundation for a lifetime.

Knowing this, Contreras, Conway and Espolt were determined to be the best teachers they could be. When they heard about T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps), a college scholarship program funded by First Things First for early childhood professionals, they jumped at the opportunity. All three women were awarded the scholarship to pursue a degree in early childhood education, and began taking classes this spring. They’ve already started to put what they’ve learned to work.

“The knowledge I’ve gained is building my confidence, and helping me be a more prepared teacher,” said Conway.

 “The classes are giving me the opportunity to learn more about brain development and how children’s minds work, which is helping me help the kids,” said Espolt. Espolt, like her colleagues, is grateful for the financial assistance T.E.A.C.H. has offered her to pursue a college degree. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it on my own,” she said. 

With the help of TEACH, all three women are working towards a better future- not just for themselves, but for the children in their care. 

T.E.A.C.H. is a college scholarship program for child care professionals, and is funded by First Things First. For more information on T.E.A.C.H., please visit asccaz.org. For more information on First Things First, please visit ReadyAZKids.com.