Hello, and welcome! My name is Carmen Contos, and I’m thrilled you’re here. Allow me to share a little about myself and my passion for primary education.
I grew up in beautiful Southwest Florida, surrounded by the warm sunshine and the support of a loving family. My educational journey led me to Florida State University (Go Noles!), where I earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary Education. Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of teaching young minds and watching them flourish in those formative years.
I hold endorsements in gifted education, K-12 reading, and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), and I am certified to teach Elementary Education for grades K-6. While I’ve taught across various grade levels, my heart belongs to the early years. There is something truly magical about watching young learners discover the world around them and seeing the foundations of their education take root.
I believe deeply in God, my family, and the transformative power of education. These pillars have guided my life and work, instilling a purpose that is bigger than myself. It is my calling to equip educators with the tools and strategies they need to effectively teach primary students, because I firmly believe that primary education is the cornerstone of all learning. Without a strong foundation, future educational achievements can crumble.
Research underscores the importance of these early years. Studies reveal that foundational reading skills begin developing as early as age 2, when children experience an incredible surge in vocabulary acquisition (Hart & Risley, 1995). These years are a critical window for setting children on the path to lifelong success, and it is my mission to help educators seize this opportunity.
Through this blog, I aim to share insights, strategies, and inspiration to support teachers in creating engaging, effective learning environments for primary students. Together, we can ensure that the next generation has a strong foundation to build upon.
Thank you for joining me on this journey! I look forward to connecting, learning, and growing with you.
Warm regards,
Carmen Contos
References
Hart, B., & Risley, T. R. (1995). Meaningful differences in the everyday experience of young American children. Paul H. Brookes Publishing.
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