Chanda-Key-Curry, Kindergarten Teacher

Can you talk about your journey to your current position?

I started as a school secretary. I went on maternity leave, came back and became an instructional assistant. The principal that I worked with told me, “Ms. Key-Curry, I think that you need to get your degree so you can be a teacher, because I think you would be a really great teacher.” So that’s what I did. I pursued my Associate, then I got my Bachelors, and then I completed my Master’s in a period of five years.

I taught kindergarten. I started teaching kindergarten the same year my daughter was starting kindergarten. I wanted to be able to help her. And I found that I just love kindergarten.

I love to see them learn new words, blossom, and grow. And sometimes they teach me things. They make me laugh and bring joy to my life.

I am now a reading specialist and enjoy teaching reading to multiple grade levels.

What do you like about Friendship?

I love the fact that I have had some really, really good mentors here. I have met some really, really cool people who have helped me along my journey. They have offered great advice and taught me many things. I have been able to express myself, and they listen. Also, the office staff here at Friendship Armstrong is very organized and helpful. The whole staff is cohesive.

Are there any strategies you would offer new early childhood teachers?

Children learn in many different ways, so you need to have a variety of strategies in your toolkit. Don’t feel bad if one lesson is a flop. Go back and adjust it as needed, then reteach it. I am always at home thinking, “How could I have taught that lesson better?”

Do your research and teach with each child’s preferred modality. Know who is a visual learner, who is a kinesthetic learner, who needs movement. Know your students and build relationships them and with their parents so that they can help them at home.

How many years have you been teaching?

This will be my 9th year, and my 20th year in education. I run into my former students all the time. I have seen scholars go through high school, then college and then come back and say, “Thank you, Ms. Curry.” It’s so wonderful to see how they’ve grown. I’ve even taught one of my former student’s kids!

Some of my former kindergarten students go to Collegiate. When they see me, they say, “That’s my kindergarten teacher!” It is wonderful to see them and hear about the colleges they are choosing.

Is there anything that I haven’t asked that you want to see in your Spotlight?

It’s not where you started, it’s where you end up. It’s never too late to pursue your passion. I didn’t get my degree until I was around 30 years old. It is never too late to pursue something new. Also, try to learn something new every day. Recently, my co-teacher and I learned how to make tutus for our student dancers’ performance.

Is there a fun fact you would like to share?

I love to cook and eat. I don’t know if that’s a fun fact. I love Italian, Mexican … everything, really.