A little about me.
Hello! I am Maira. I earned a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Studies with an emphasis in Leadership at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in 2018, and an M.Ed in Elementary Education with a Nature-Based Education Certificate in elementary and early childhood education at Antioch University New England in May 2020. I was born in Montclair, CA and raised in Fontana, CA. My interest in teaching began when I started working for a state preschool. I was immediately captivated by the learning methodology that allows children to learn through exploration of the natural environment. Throughout the years, my love and passion for nature-based early education have only continued to grow after experiences teaching abroad in China and Costa Rica--countries that are rich in nature and whose communities value education. Teaching both at home and abroad has enabled me to broaden my pedagogical practices and experience the importance of pragmatism in the classroom, as well as the benefits of hands-on learning in a natural environment. This year 2020 is very exciting for me because I've been given the opportunity to teach first grade in a small town that is rich in nature and understands the value it holds. I am both thrilled and fearful by the current crisis our nation is facing however the joy and passion I feel for teaching and having the option to spend most of our time outdoors outweighs most of it. I trust my school administration and collegues and feel extremely lucky to be where I am. So here is to the beginning of this journey and welcome aboard this journey with me.