Hello! I’m Rachel Maher, and I'm happily married to my wonderful husband, Tom. Our lovely family fills our lives with joy—our oldest son, Jon, is 21 and married to Emaliea, blessing us with two adorable grandsons, Liam and Levi, who light up our days. We have a daughter Chloe who is 20, a 12-year-old Madison, and an 11-year-old Cade. I've been in education for over 12 years and have been teaching for 7 years, driven by my passion for nurturing young minds. I earned my Associate's degree from CCC in Columbus, my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Wayne State, and an Early Childhood Special Education endorsement from Kearney. I recently celebrated my graduation from Concordia with a Masters in Early Childhood Education. My path in education has been deeply rewarding, and I truly value every moment I spend with my students and my family!
Three of my biggest highlights include building confidence, creating a classroom community, and fostering friendships. It’s heartwarming to see shy children gradually find their voice and confidently share their thoughts with the class. The joy on all my students' faces during group activities, like art projects or storytime, reminds us of the importance of our classroom community, especially for those who may be hesitant. Watching children support each other and develop friendships, particularly those facing challenges, shows how our nurturing environment helps everyone feel included and connected. My favorite part of the school day is the moment the kids come through the door. Their excitement and energy set the tone for the entire day, and it’s heartwarming to see their smiles and cheerful greetings as they rush in, ready to explore and learn together. Each morning feels like a fresh start!
Our classroom is made up of myself and my wonderful paraprofessionals - Mrs. Nicki and Mrs. Laura. I genuinely appreciate Mrs. Nicki for her kindness and patience with the students. She is always ensuring they feel supported and understood. Mrs. Laura is incredibly sweet and brings a warm, nurturing presence to the classroom. Together, they help keep everything running smoothly! I genuinely couldn't do it without their invaluable assistance and dedication!
What I love most about working at Kramer Preschool is the incredible sense of community and collaboration among the staff, students, and families. The nurturing environment fosters creativity and growth, allowing students and teachers to thrive. My team is truly amazing; their dedication, support, and enthusiasm make every day enjoyable and fulfilling. We consistently uplift one another, sharing ideas and strategies to enhance our students’ learning experiences. Witnessing the joy and curiosity of the children as they learn and explore alongside such a passionate team is incredibly rewarding. It highlights the impact we have on their early development!