Every morning, Ms. Clark steps into her kindergarten classroom knowing she’s about to witness something magical. For her, no two days are ever the same—each one is filled with small victories and big discoveries that make teaching endlessly rewarding.
She comments, “I love watching students grow in confidence as they figure things out for the very first time, whether it’s reading a word, solving a problem, or learning how to be a kind friend. That sense of wonder and excitement never gets old.”
Ms. Clark joined St. Thomas’s in 2017, as the Second Grade Teacher, and began teaching Kindergarten in 2023. What continually amazes her is how thoughtful and insightful kindergartners can be. “They notice the world in ways adults often overlook and ask questions that make you pause, smile, and adjust your perspective.”
Her passion for teaching began early. As a child, Ms. Clark loved playing school, creating lessons, and imagining herself in the role of a teacher. “My third-grade teacher, Ms. Hoins, truly inspired me and helped solidify my dream of working in a school setting. I explored the idea of school psychology for a while, but ultimately my heart pulled me toward the classroom—and I’ve never looked back.”
The Kindergarten program at St. Thomas’s reflects this same sense of purpose and joy. In Ms. Clark’s classroom, childhood is celebrated and preserved through meaningful play, movement, and exploration. The environment is intentionally designed to spark curiosity and invite learning, giving children the time, space, and materials they need to explore ideas deeply. Through choice time, language arts, math, and hands-on activities, students are constantly discovering, experimenting, problem-solving, and collaborating. Guided by Ms. Clark and Ms. Fanfair, the Kindergarten Assistant Teacher, children learn not only academic skills, but also how to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and work together as a community.
And a fun fact about Ms. Clark? She’s a huge fan of the show Survivor. “I sometimes joke that kindergarten is the perfect training ground — there’s lots of teamwork, problem-solving, and cheering each other on.” Who knows—maybe one day she’ll find a way to combine her love for teaching with a spot on the island! And knowing Ms. Clark, her students are convinced that she will never be voted off.
Learn more about St. Thomas’s Kindergarten program.
