Jill Cembellin - Director/Lead Teacher
Teacher Jill joined the SPNS community in 2001. She teaches the Teddy Bears and Wiggle Worms classes and also holds the position of Lead Teacher. Teacher Jill holds a degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology with an emphasis in Child Development and Deaf Education. She also holds a California Adult Education credential and Lifetime Development Center permit. She has worked with children in a variety of settings for nearly thirty years. Her job experience includes working in special education, traditional drop-off preschool and her current position as part of the cooperative program at SPNS.
1. What is your philosophy of teaching?
My philosophy of teaching centers around my true belief that children learn by doing. It is vital for them to be able to manipulate and explore their environments with a “hands on” approach. In addition, I feel it is so important to value and respect the individual learning styles of each child and provide a rich and varied environment so that all feel excited about participating!
2. At the end of the school year, what is one thing you would hope to impart on your students and their parents?
If I had to select just one thing it would be that they are moving on with only wonderful memories of our experience together.
3. How do you handle difficult children/situations?
We are faced with challenging behaviors on a daily basis. I believe that these challenging behaviors and/or incidents provide our children with the opportunity to learn. The very young children in my classes often do not have the oral language to resolve moments of conflict or frustration. This makes the role of the adults in the classroom so vital. We act as models as we guide the children to make better choices and offer them better options/tools for success in the busy, social environment of our play-based preschool.
4. How do you encourage parental involvement and development?
We have a wonderful, diverse group of families in our membership! I highly encourage the parents to “share themselves” throughout the year. Parents are invited to share traditions, talents, curriculum ideas, etc! The parents in my class are periodically given “homework” assignments which allow them to bring the learning home. One of my favorites is the home cooking project that they complete with their children. In addition one of the most wonderful bonuses of the cooperative program is that the parents learn from each other as we verbally share and observe different parenting styles and approaches.
5. What is the most important element or attribute you bring personally to SPNS?
I think the fact that I have raised my three children into adulthood helps. I have been through every age and stage and continue to learn! I can in all honesty try to assure parents that this is not an exact science and to try to relax and enjoy the ride, it flies by so quickly!
Cynthia Albeln
After graduating and earning her California Standard Teaching Credential from San Jose State University, Teacher Cynthia taught in the Campbell Union School District. She took a break to start raising her two children and then decided to return to teaching. It was then that she was introduced to the joy of working with younger children and is now in her twelfth year at SPNS.
1. What is your philosophy of teaching?
My philosophy on teaching is to always enjoy what I’m doing. I appreciate the interaction I have with children and adults at SPNS, and my goal is to introduce new ideas and concepts to children while they are having fun.
2. At the end of the school year, what is one thing you would hope to impart on your students and their parents?
That it is fun to be learning at school!
3. How do you handle difficult children/situations?
When there is challenging behavior at preschool, I first to try to identify with the child the behavior that needs to be changed. I feel it’s important to understand what is happening at the child’s level and then problem solve from there. Also, I like to have the child be active in solving their own problem as much as is possible for their age.
4. How do you encourage parental involvement and development?
I ensure the parents have the tools they need to be successful. I make sure the curriculum is age appropriate, plan class meetings, and model acceptable responses and behavior. Our SPNS Handbook is another great resource. While the parents are working in my class, I try to make myself available and observe them since preschool is a learning situation for the adults as well.
5. What is the most important element or attribute you bring personally to SPNS?
My love of teaching and desire to interact with the children and their parents. It is rewarding to teach skills in the classroom that can help parents in their everyday lives.
Gayatri Tolani
1. What is your philosophy of teaching?
I believe that education is a tool through which one fully discovers oneself. As a teacher, I encourage this kind of personal growth by providing opportunities that expose students to different cultures and new experiences, and promote healthy social interactions in a safe environment.
2. At the end of the school year, what is one thing you would hope to impart on your students and their parents?
An enjoyable and memorable school year and a strong support network of new friends and teachers that students and parents can rely on.
3. How do you handle difficult children/situations?
I think it is really important to keep open lines of communication. I encourage parents to talk to me and each other, definitely when there are any concerns. For children at pre-school age, I feel it is important to model our own behavior and responses as we would expect from them. A good way to resolve difficult situations with children is to provide them with a chance to talk, often guiding them with words to say and communicate their emotions so they can be acknowledged and addressed.
4. How do you encourage parental involvement and development?
The activities for students at school are setup so as to also provide parents with an opportunity to participate and provide the support children need while also allowing them to learn independently. The co-op environment is also a perfect resource for parents to share ideas and parenting techniques among themselves.
5. What is the most important element or attribute you bring personally to SPNS?
My co-op experience - having my own two boys in the co-op education program in SPNS, I am able to identify with parents’ needs and concerns and provide personal development equally for all children.