Lesa Schulte

I always knew I wanted to work with kids when I grew up. I loved interacting with children and babysat for numerous families and church groups when I was younger. My passion for wanting to teach grew even stronger when my sixth-grade teacher told me my patience and willingness to help others are great qualities to have in the education field.

In high school, I took an exploring education class where we visited elementary schools, conducted activities for younger students and wrote lesson plans. I was also a student aid for numerous teachers over the years. I even shadowed someone at a pediatrician’s office! All of these experiences continued to show me that moving toward a career in education was the right choice for me. 

I always felt that I gravitated more toward the younger age groups versus the older ones. This was solidified when I started working at a daycare that consisted of three- to five-year-old preschoolers. They were so eager to learn! Watching them have their “ah-ha” moments stuck with me, and I knew I wanted to help mold the minds of preschoolers.

I received a bachelor’s degree in early childhood unified education and even went on to get a master’s degree in early childhood education. Between those degrees, I taught everything from kindergarten through third grade. I also taught regular education preschool for seven years, moved to special education and have been co-teaching ever since.

My co-teacher and I teach around 40 preschoolers split into two classes (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). We are an all-inclusive classroom, so children with all different abilities are in one room working and learning together.

The best part of my career is that I have never felt like it was a “job.” I can’t believe I get paid to work in preschool each day. There are so many different things for children that age to learn, and they get to do most of that learning through play! I want everyone to know how important it is for children to attend preschool. It’s not just a-b-c’s and 1-2-3’s. We are learning how to share, make friends, take turns, wait patiently, regulate feelings, listen to others and more.

If you are considering a role in education or working with kids, I recommend taking advantage of every opportunity you can to experience it firsthand, especially the different age groups. You may not know until you are in that setting if it’s really right for you.

Lesa Schulte is a preschool teacher in Ness City, Kansas. She is the 2023-2024 Midwest Energy, Inc. HirePaths Teacher Ambassador.