Janet Joyce, School Director

Miss Janet began working at the Co-op in 1971. She taught for 29 years and has been the director for the last 4 years. Miss Janet has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

The thing Miss Janet enjoys the most about teaching (when she has the opportunity to) is “making a difference in that child’s life for that period of time.” The things Miss Janet enjoys the most about the Co-op are: parent involvement, the policy that all children can come to this establishment, and the developmentally-based teaching approach, which gives the school the opportunity to be ready for all children even if some aren’t quite ready for school.

Favorite Book:  The Big Pumpkin

Miss Lisa is in her twelfth year here at the school.   Miss Lisa previously substitute taught in different school systems and worked at and later ran her own home day care.  She also is the director at Safety Town, a camp in East Greenwich, which teaches children about safety in various situations.  Miss Lisa has her Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Elementary Education, Nursery-2 and K–6.

“The co-op offers children a warm, loving environment featuring a developmentally appropriate curriculum which takes into account each child’s individual developmental level.  Parents are very involved at the Co-op and work together with our wonderful, experienced staff to provide a positive preschool experience for your child.”

Favorite Book:  Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

:  Miss Susan is in her forth year working at the Co-op.  She is a previous Co-op parent.  Miss Susan has her degree from URI in Early Childhood Education.  

When asked what she likes best about teaching, Miss Susan said, “Working with young children and having the pleasure of taking part in shaping their lives is extremely rewarding.  I love their innocence and honesty and their ability to always make me smile.  It is a joy to observe their first-time experiences in a school environment from cutting with scissors to riding a school bus.  Their fresh perspective gives me a different appreciation for life.”  

When asked what she enjoys about the Co-op, Miss Susan told us, “The loving, nurturing environment, as well as the interaction between children, parents, and teachers working together for a positive first experience in school.  The diversity of the families at the Co-op is unique.  The consistent ‘back to basics’ approach to early childhood education, combined with the time and talents shared by the families make for a very unique learning experience.” 

Favorite Book:  The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear, Brown Bear

Miss Doris has taught here at the Co-op for approximately 9 years.  She came to this school originally as a student herself and later as a parent sending her three children through the school. Miss Doris is certified in Pre-K-2 and 1-6. She was educated in both Child Development and Early Childhood Education at the University of Rhode Island.

Miss Doris says what she enjoys most about the Co-op is the parent involvement.  "To be part of the teaching experience and to help out when your children are young is invaluable and comforting as a parent.”  It’s a unique situation at the Co-op that not all parents get to appreciate.   

Favorite Book:  The Giving Tree

This is Miss Jen’s first year teaching at the Co-op, but her two older boys were students, and her daughter is a current student.  Miss Jen has her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and her master’s degree in Elementary Math. 

Prior to teaching at the Co-op she was a stay-at-home mom (although she rarely seemed to be home) and prior to that taught in Maine and Maryland (ranging from preschool to fourth grade).

Miss Jen’s favorite part of teaching is getting to see the expressions on the children’s faces as they learn or master something new.  She loves to hear the “I did it!!” “I love the pride they have in themselves when they are able to do something that they didn’t know they could do.  When you are working with young children they are very often willing to try new things without the fear of failure, and it’s wonderful to see.”

Her favorite part of the Co-op is the parent interaction and involvement.  It is great to be able to watch a child share his or her favorite things with the special people in their lives.  “They get such a charge out of having their parent be the helper for the day, and I know they will not have as many of those opportunities when they leave us for the big school.”

Miss Kelly

Miss Kelly works with Miss Lisa's 4 year old and Pre-K classes.

Miss Kelly has been teaching at the Co-op for nine years. She began teaching during her senior year at East Greenwich High School. She first began as a student when she was 3 years old. "Miss Janet, Miss Pat and Miss Marilyn were my teachers. They taught me to go up the ladder and down the slide!"

What Miss Kelly likes most about teaching is the people she works with. "We are like a family here. The children are delightful and every day is so special and so much fun."

Favorite Book:  The Big Pumpkin

Miss Marilyn works with Miss Susan's 3 year old and Pre-K class.

Miss Marilyn has been teaching at the Co-op for 25 years. What Miss Marilyn likes most about teaching at the Coop is watching the children grow and being a small part of their experience here.

Favorite Book:  The Growing Tree

Miss Patty works with Miss Susan's 3 year old a.m. class and with Miss Barbara's 3-4 year old p.m. class.

Miss Patty has been at the Co-op since the beginning, 37years. She has taken early childhood courses.

What Miss Patty likes most about teaching is knowing she is a part of helping meet each child's potential. "Their smiles light up my heart. I think it is the most important thing to help a child grow in a positive way. When children know they are in a safe environment with lots of loving teachers, they learn. A smile goes a long way. I would not want to be working anywhere else except Barbara M. Tufts Cooperative Preschool."

Favorite Book:  Mushrooms in the Rain

Miss Kate works with Miss Doris's 4-year old a.m. class and Miss Barbara's 3-4 year old p.m. class.

Miss Kate is in her 9th year teaching at the Co-op. She has taught with Miss Doris for nine years and with Miss Barbara for three years. She also attended Bradford College.

What Miss Kate likes most about teaching is seeing the students develop and grow through the year. Miss Kate says what she enjoys most about the Co-op is the interaction with the parents and the teachers. "There is a real sense of community here."

Favorite Book:  Make Way for Ducklings

Miss Kristen works with Miss Doris' Pre-K class.

Miss Kristen is in her 3rd year teaching at the Co-op. She has taught in both the three and four year old programs.  She received a B.S. in Education with an auxiliary major in Psychology from Syracuse University. She also received a Master's Degree in Communication Disorders from Southern Connecticut State University.

All four of her children are graduates of the Coop.

What Miss Kristen likes most about teaching is that it is such a rewarding experience. "It  is not just an opportunity to provide children with learning experiences, but it also provides children with the gift of loving him or herself. The Coop provides a wonderful learning environment for a child to grow and develop. My children have had the opportunity and privilege to be a part of this unique school. Now it is my turn to have the honor to return to the children what my children received from this school."

Favorite Book: