Beehive is a play-based preschool that encourages children to become independent thinkers and explore learning through their interests. The school’s mission is to nurture the whole child by supporting academic, social, emotional, and physical growth; create school readiness; and foster parent involvement in their child's education. Beehive teachers facilitate play-based learning in combination with established educational curricula, while parents have the unique opportunity to be actively involved in their child’s educational community.
Children's education is enhanced when teachers and parents work together to support learning and development. Teachers and Parents at Beehive are guided by the following beliefs about children and learning:
Through interaction with the physical and social environment at Beehive, children will:
Julie's journey with Beehive began six years ago when her daughter enrolled in the preschool class. Starting as a "working parent," Julie's involvement with the school steadily grew over time. She took on roles as a substitute teacher and enrichment teacher, contributing her talents and passion to various aspects of the school community.
One notable contribution was her involvement in piloting the 'Sparkle School,' an innovative arts and project-based learning enrichment program at Beehive. Julie's creativity and dedication played a crucial role in shaping and refining this program, enriching the educational experience for Beehive students.
Her extensive experience as a preschool teacher in Austin, Texas, combined with her certification as a Tinkergarten leader and her Elementary Education Certification from CU Boulder, uniquely position her to lead the PreK program with excellence.
Julie's diverse background and expertise in early childhood education make her an invaluable asset to the Beehive community. Her passion for fostering creativity and love for learning are evident in her contributions to the school, ensuring that Beehive continues to provide a nurturing and enriching environment for young learners.
Shannah's journey with Beehive began when she was searching for a play-based preschool for her second child. Immediately drawn to Beehive's cooperative model, where families and teachers collaborate to create the best environment for children, she became involved as a working parent. Over time, Shannah's commitment and passion for early education led her to serve on the board before finding her calling as a preschool teacher this year.
Her diverse background brings a wealth of experience to Beehive's preschool classroom. Shannah has worked as a certified public school teacher, specializing in children with disabilities in structured learning environments from kindergarten through third grade. Additionally, her experience as a Kinder music teacher and preschool teacher further enriches her approach to early childhood education.
This past year, Shannah is expanded her expertise with her training to become a Dyslexia Therapist in her spare time. This dedication to professional development underscores her belief in the value of research-based, child-centered, and family-oriented early education.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Shannah enjoys reading, writing, crafting, and spending quality time with her three young children and their assortment of animals. Her active involvement in the West University community reflects her commitment to fostering connections and making a positive impact beyond the classroom. Shannah's multifaceted background, coupled with her passion for early education, makes her an invaluable asset to the Beehive community.
Anna's journey with the Beehive community has been one of growth and commitment, spanning over four years. Her involvement has evolved from being a parent to serving on the board for two years, culminating in her recent appointment as director. Her passion for early education blossomed during her time at Beehive, where she actively engaged with students, parents, and teachers.
With a background in graphic design and marketing, Anna brings a unique skill set to her role as director. She is eager to leverage her expertise to enhance the school's programs and outreach efforts. Additionally, her fluency in Spanish presents an exciting opportunity to introduce a Spanish enrichment program, enriching the educational experience for students.
She has further broadened her education with obtaining her director certification, child development associate and continuing her professional development, most recently with Rice University's Literacy Program courses. Her commitment to ongoing learning ensures that she remains at the forefront of best practices in early childhood education, benefiting both the school community and the children under her care.
Having lived in Houston for over 25 years and being familiar with the West University neighborhood, Anna possesses a deep understanding of the local community. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys various hobbies such as traveling, gardening, and spending quality time with her son and family in parks. Anna is also actively involved in community initiatives, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the school environment
Hira's journey with Beehive began as a parent volunteer and room parent, where her enthusiasm for supporting students and teachers shone brightly. Her dedication and passion for the Beehive community became evident during this time. Following her youngest son's graduation from Beehive in 2023, Hira expressed a genuine desire to continue her engagement with the school.
Her commitment extends not only to Beehive but also to the broader West University community, where both of her sons are currently enrolled. Hira's dedication to expanding her knowledge to better serve Beehive students demonstrates her ongoing commitment to professional growth and development.
Outside of her role at Beehive, Hira remains actively engaged in her community, reflecting her belief in the importance of giving back and fostering connections. She treasures moments spent with her children, underscoring her commitment to family and the values of community and togetherness.
Hira's unwavering dedication and passion make her a valuable asset to the Beehive community. Her continued involvement and willingness to learn and grow ensure that she remains a positive influence on students, teachers, and the broader school community.
Beehive children enjoy a beautiful balance of child-directed, playful learning and teacher-directed academic support. Children grow confident in their abilities as learners while experiencing school as a fun place to be!