Educator
Spotlight
Help us celebrate the important educators who are working to make the lives of children and families better every day!
Damaris Wright
Damaris Wright is a preschool educator at Future Academy Childcare and Learning Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has earned her Preschool CDA and is a Certified Playmaker graduate and mentor. Damaris is currently working toward her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is committed to continued growth and leadership in the field.
What's something you love about your work with children?
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Children are so new to the world so they have the most open and curious dispositions. I love having a front row seat to their developing personalities and helping them discover and explore their strengths. There is nothing better than the "ah-ha!" moment where something suddenly clicks for them. It sounds cliche but children really are the future. They are our future teachers, doctors, lawyers, homeowners, coworkers, etc. It is so exciting to be able to help lay the foundation for their success in whatever they choose to do.
Describe a recent moment in your classroom that made you feel proud or reminded you why you do this work.
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One of my neurodivergent students joined my class over the summer and took a long while to adjust to the school setting and routine. School was completely foreign to this child, so even with schedules and routines, it took a few months to gain their trust and for some of the bigger disruptive behaviors to subside. Even still, it was clear from the start that not only was this child bright, but they also loved making friends and forming connections. I leaned into this heavily because I know that students need caring relationships before they can learn. Slowly but surely, this student made friends with the class and began to trust me and my teaching assistant. Their participation became more consistent and there were larger gaps between meltdowns. They even started napping, a huge milestone of trust that was hard-won. The moment that made me most proud of this little was something I wasn't even prepared for. One morning, without any special prompting, this student took the time to trace their own name. Typically, they would scribble with no regard to the prompt, but this morning they decided to try something new. It took time and focus but they were determined to do their best work. I was ecstatic watching this child win at a task that they never even attempted before. This is what I want for all of my students: to feel safe enough to try new things, take risks, push themselves, and then celebrate the wins.
Are there any topics in the early childhood field that are important to you at the moment?
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I am very passionate about closing the gaps in resources caused by systemic racism and disenfranchisement. I am always seeking ways to push and promote justice and equity in the ECE field because the community I serve depends on it.
Where do you turn for inspiration or professional learning?​
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There are two learning communities that I would recommend to any all early childhood educators. First, the free live trainings from TLC have been pivotal for me as a new lead teacher. The wide range of specific topics from experts in their fields of study is invaluable. So to offer these trainings for free is game-changing. Secondly, I would recommend checking out the Playmaker Project through Life Is Good. This program offers a teaching framework that is entirely based in joy and play. It has shifted my teaching philosophy in a powerful way and has been a huge benefit to me and my students.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in early childhood education?
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Keep an open mind! Kids will surprise you at every turn but they crave consistency and connection. Both of these things can be provided in a million different ways so don't be afraid to get creative and try something new.
