Sharon Austin

I taught kindergarten children, first, second and third graders during my first eight years teaching in the public school systems near Denver, Colorado. Then I taught preschool children in my home for another thirty years.

Unit based instruction - the teaching method that was proven to be "the best instructional method for learning." I loved developing lesson plans where I included language arts, math, science, social studies, cooking projects, art and music - all orientated around a central thematic unit. I also love expanding the lessons to include older children on vacation from school, so they are also learning, but at their level.

In 2008, I received the honor of a "4 Star" (the highest star) for my child care home from the QualiStar grading system. Then in March, 2009, my child care home was given the honor of receiving a "certificate of accreditation" from NAFCC. They submitted my picture and a short article to our local newspaper and I received a letter from one of our city council representatives congratulating me on the honor. However, the greatest honor I receive is having children in my home love learning. One graduated last year from a tech high school as the salutatorian and told me that he still loved learning.

From the University of New Mexico, I received an elementary education degree and from the University of the Rockies in Denver, I received an early childhood degree. On a yearly basis, I have taken university and other appropriate classes and have also done study on my own.

After moving from the Denver, Colorado area, Sharon Austin lives in Pueblo, Colorado with her husband, Clay. Their two grown daughters and their families live nearby.