Influencer of the Week: Liz Quinn, First United Methodist Learning Center Preschool

Liz Quinn is an assistant in the VPK program this year at the First United Methodist Learning Center Preschool. She has taken her years of teaching and her fun-loving personality to the 4-year-old classroom, and the children love her ways of exploring different things and looking at the world differently. Quinn is the one who will find nature in everyday adventures, like the funny-looking bug crawling on the sidewalk, a butterfly and the hawk that is resting high in the tree, or just listening to the church bells and having the kids count along.

What brought you to your school? 

I relocated from the Washington, D.C., area, and our new neighbors found out I was a teacher. They recommended the Learning Center because of the excellent reputation.

What do you love most about your school? 

Everything, from the shared love of learning, staff camaraderie, focus of the kid’s development and the support from the families.   

What is your motivation? 

Inspiring children to begin a lifelong journey of learning.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? 

Setting a spark and seeing the moment when it clicks in a child’s mind.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

Explore new places and travel while visiting art galleries and museums. Discovering new national parks and interesting cities and countries.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? 

Dr. Weatherhill for biology — he taught me that there are many answers and many ways to find the right solutions. He also taught me not all people learn the same way and sometimes you need to think outside of the box.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why? 

I always knew I was going to be a teacher and loved working with kids.

What is your favorite children’s book and why? 

I have way too many favorites and too many to name. I love books where the children can act out the characters in the story.

What are your hobbies? 

Being out on the water, kayaking, crossword puzzles, sketching, gardening, walking with my dog Fenway.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? 

Time travel, to experience life in different periods from the past and the future.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? 

There is too much great music that I have experienced to answer this question.

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember? 

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were my go-to. However, the best was my father’s roast beef sandwiches from the Sunday leftover dinner.

What is your favorite holiday and why? 

Christmas is, by far, my favorite holiday because of family gatherings, parties with great food and song while sharing gifts and memories.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch? 

I was blessed with many different “best friends” and continue to stay in touch with them. Social media has made this much easier.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors? 

I played many sports including softball, swim team, basketball, volleyball. Maplewood Park was directly behind my house and had easy access. I also won first prize in a horse show when I was eight-year-old.

How long have you been at your school? 

I have been teaching at the Learning Center for 19 years and have enjoyed every bit of it.