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Preschool Staff
We frequently receive inquiries about the qualifications of our teaching staff. This is a truly valid concern, as parents consider the best place for their children to be loved and educated. We are so proud of our staff – we really should brag more often! Here is a bit about each staff member:
HPC Preschool Director – Betty Ann Pagels
(757) 596-1939
Email: Preschool@hiltonpres.org
Betty Ann Pagels is a graduate of William & Mary with a BA in Elementary Education. She has taught in Hampton Public Schools and in the children's programs of several Christian organizations, including directing children's choirs. She has been with Hilton Presbyterian Preschool since 1986.
Teachers
Margaret Goggins – joined our staff in 2008 after many years of service as the parent of 5 of our alumni and a member of the Preschool Board! Margaret has a masters degree in early childhood education from Westfield State College in Massachusetts and taught preschool and second grade for 8 years before tackling the job of full time mom. We are thrilled that she is now part of our staff.
Whitney Farris – is a graduate of Duke University with a BA in botany. She also has done post-graduate work at O.D.U. in early childhood education. She has been a substitute teacher in the John F. Kennedy School in Berlin, Germany, and a teaching assistant in horticulture at T.C.C. Whitney has been teaching in our preschool since 1996, bringing us a wealth of experience in history, math, and science (plus lots of “critters”).
Wanda Fletcher – is a graduate on Old Dominion University with a BS in Special Education with a concentration in Communication Disorders. She was a speech teacher for 9 years with Newport News Public School and on their preschool screening team. She has been teaching with us since 1997 and works with our youngest students, who are at the point in their lives where language is developing at a rapid pace.
Susan Murphy is returning to teach in our program after taking a few years off to be home with new son, Theo. She has a masters degree in Elementary Education from Rhode Isalnd College, taught for 5 years in Hampton City Schools, has served as chairman of our Preschool Board, and has four sons who are alumni of our program. This will be Susan's fifth year teaching with us.
Mary Murray – has a masters degree in guidance and counseling from O.D.U. and served as the executive director of Safehaven Emergency Shelter for Children. Mary has served on our preschool board and as a substitute teacher in our program. Mary’s understanding of children is a blessing to our school. She has been with HPP since 2005.
Betty Ann Pagels
Nancy Petters – is a graduate of William & Mary with double majors in Education & French and taught in the Virginia Beach Public Schools. Nancy has been teaching here since 1997, bringing a wealth of language development ideas to our younger children, as well as experience in Christian education and music. Nancy is coordinating our Spanish lessons this year.
Assistants
Barbara Poteat – joined our staff in 2006 as an assistant, after many years as a preschool mom and substitute teacher. She has shown great love for children and patience in dealing with their needs and problems.
Sharon Rodgers – helped with the 2 1/2 year old class for several years before joining the staff in 2006. She is a former Hilton Presbyterian student! Sharon has taught in numerous children's programs in her church.
All off our staff members have been preschool parents here at Hilton Presbyterian with a total of 24 alumni & 1 current student. They are dedicated to the preschool and its mission to educate children socially, emotionally, and academically in an environment of Christian love. Each year the staff attends training sessions at local and state workshops. There are monthly staff meetings to pool ideas for the coming month’s unit. Ours is a team teaching environment, where the special talents and abilities that each teacher brings are shared with all of the students, since different groups meet together during music, snack, outdoor play & center times.
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