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Stephanie Morris, the new full-day Preschool Teacher, entered the field of education because she has always been an advocate for the health and well-being of children.

“I believe education is a fearless act that sets people free,” said Stephanie. “It spreads the message of understanding and tolerance, and in the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’”

She draws inspiration from her hero, Fred Rogers, the television personality noted for his educational preschool television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and also her former college professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Helen Ruth Aspaas. From Dr. Aspaas, Stephanie learned about the value of service learning and the importance of deeply involving students in the surrounding community.

“I admired Dr. Aspaas’ belief in alternative, progressive education that allows the entire child to be seen and celebrated,” said Stephanie.

Beginning her journey at MFS, Stephanie hopes to apply her educational philosophies to create a friendly, open-minded atmosphere for her students.

“I enjoy watching my preschoolers experience the world around them,” said Stephanie. “They construct their own ideas and theories while also building friendships with their classmates.”

Stephanie comes to MFS with over ten years of academic and professional experience in early childhood education. She graduated magna cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA with a degree in both Early and Elementary Education. In addition to her work as a classroom teacher, Stephanie has also been a reading tutor through Americorps and worked as a nanny in New York City and abroad.

Outside of education, Stephanie has a wide range of personal interests. This past year, she taught herself how to bake a pie from scratch and enrolled in an adult ballet class. She also spends time biking, gardening, spending time with family, watching baseball, and trying new restaurants.