Tiffany Schumacher

Tiffany Schumacher - Director & Preschool Teacher

Dear Friends,

Words cannot express my excitement for working with your preschool children at Cambridge Lakes Preschool. For the second time in my career, I will have the opportunity to assist in the ground zero approach to opening a school. Before joining Cambridge Lakes Preschool, I worked as a teacher for the all day mixed age at Good Shepherd Lutheran School in Elgin--the Preschool, Elementary and Junior High I attended as a student.

Everyone asks what made me decide to become a teacher. Originally, I dreamed of becoming a custody lawyer. However, when my mom asked me to think about my passion I realized I enjoyed working with very young children. So, I switched my career focus to Early Childhood Education, where my true passion lies.

I strongly feel that Early Childhood is a powerful time in a child’s life. During this time, children change and develop daily. As an Early Childhood teacher, I take great pride and responsibility in the growth and development of each young child in my care. I understand this maybe the first time you entrust your children in a school, so I must make sure you remain informed about your child’s development.

Each child is a unique individual that brings knowledge, gifts and a love for learning to my classroom. I feel my job is to be consistent, a positive role model, use different instructional styles to deliver lessons, promote meaningful discussions and produce creative centers and hands on experiences in order to foster learning.

I first learned about High/Scope in my early childhood classes at Northern Illinois University. I then experienced its practical application while I student taught at Garfield Elementary in Elgin. There, I used High/Scope to plan a number of weekly activities. At Good Shepherd, I utilized the High/Scope methodology to create my daily schedule and lesson plans.

At Cambridge Lakes Preschool, I will use many approaches to instruction in order to reach all the children in my classroom. I will listen closely to your child’s interests and from this understanding equip the room and my lessons with materials that will broaden their understanding and skill level.