Introduction

Hello, my name is Tensil Kay Clayton, am married and we have three children. Today, as an older student, I have been thinking about my past work with early childhood programs and my children’s schooling.  In Alton, Illinois, I taught in a cooperative nursery school with my daughter, Nancy, when she was four-years old and at night attended graduate school at Southern Illinois University. We were transferred to Lakeland, Florida and our daughter, Josephine, attended the lab school at Florida Southern College and I worked as a substitute teacher at our church preschool.  After two years, we were transferred to Brockport, New York where I volunteered as the story hour reader for three-year old and four-year old children at our local library, attended graduate school and worked as a substitute teacher.  Our children attended a K-6 lab school, the Innovative Center for Education at State University of New York, College at Brockport. We moved to Wilson, and my educational career has consisted of both teaching and administration.   I currently work for Davis Learning Center and still love teaching.

I enjoy reading professional journals, books and newsletters through my membership in the National Association for the Education of Young Children. I believe we should nurture our passions so you can bring them into the classroom.  My love of children’s literature, nature, art, music, travel, painting, exercise and cooking can enrich the lives of my students as I weave my enthusiasm for learning into their classroom. I look forward to working with each of you and sharing ideas as we learn about early intervention and adapting the curriculum for children with diverse needs.