Boy, oh Boy do Teachers Love June

Boy, oh boy do teachers love June. Any teacher who claims not to know exactly how many days until summer vacation is a BIG FAT LIAR. I know this because I am a teacher.

Because I am a teacher, albeit an unemployed one, I have certain strengths. One of them is the ability to recognize excellent teaching when I see it. You see, a classroom is a lot like a restaurant. A tremendous amount of work makes it all look effortless. But I can see the hidden work, and I appreciate it.

In our midst, there is a woman who is a true and gifted teacher. Her name is Susan Walter. If you meet her, you may as well just kiss her feet because she is a jewel.

She’s a local, first Capo Beach and now the “Bible Belt.” Her varied career includes a stint as a Disneyland mermaid and teaching Special Education. Now she runs the Kindergarten Readiness program through the City of San Juan Capistrano.

I first met Mrs. Walter out at the old Dance Hall on Adelanto. It was the oddest thing, like a time warp. Right in the middle of town was an old-fashioned one-room schoolhouse. Everyone learned together. Older kids show the younger ones the ropes, and it worked beautifully. I signed up on the spot.

I’m picky and unreasonable, I know, but I can’t help it. I want a teacher to love my child. And if my kid loves her teacher, then I want that teacher to stick around. Mrs. Walter does. Her team, Sue Ferrari and Karen Feitler are equally loving and committed.

Not only does she love children, she teaches them too. They know their letters and numbers, colors and days of the week. They can write their names, line up, keep their hands to themselves, and share. They know the pledge of allegiance and the difference between “criss-cross applesauce” and “crazy, mixed-up day.” Most of all, they know what to expect when they get to kindergarten and they are ready.

We parents have learned a lot too. We have learned that if the theme of Sharing Day is the letter “R,” then there’s got to be an “R” object in the glove box, or trunk, or under the seat. We have learned to trust Mrs. Walter when she says the gut-wrenching display of tears is all a big act. In a classroom where parents are always welcome, we have learned how to reach out to each other in support and friendship.

There are other perks to this program that aren’t listed in the city program catalog. For example, Mrs. Walter is a fabulous concierge. If you are traveling anywhere in the world, Mrs. Walter has been there and knows a great restaurant. She can do Paris on a hundred bucks—including airfare—and if you beg, she might take you along.

Crying is an accepted part of life at Kindergarten Readiness. No one is teased for tears or a tantrum. In fact a hug and a kind word come naturally to these teachers. They even do the same for our kids…

I do have to warn you that Mrs. Walter has told a stretcher or two in her day. She has the kids convinced she grew up with dinosaurs. She regales them with childhood tales or pterodactyl rides and brontosaurus slides. What parent can compete with experience like that?

She also believes in leprechauns. Every time we drive down Camino Capistrano, my kids still point to the bridge they call home. And I sure am glad the little green fellows don’t trash my place the way they hit that classroom on St Patrick’s Day. Little Green footprints and chocolate coins scattered everywhere. On my!

Guess who cleans it all up? Preschoolers. Plus they clean up every day. Plus they wash their hands after using the restroom. Plus they wait for everyone to be served before they eat. Plus they play nicely and take turns.

But it only works at school.

Mrs. Walter is a miracle but not a miracle worker. As soon as my child gets home, she has “forgotten” how to pick up anything off the floor. But Mrs. Walter says we’ll get there, so I am confident.

I adore Mrs. Walter, Mrs. Ferrari, and Mrs. Feitler so much that I have requested my child be held back for just one more year. The funny thing is my baby is ready for kindergarten.

But I am not.