Little did she know...

Twelve years ago, upon the completion of my Master of Education program, my professor recommended me to work part-time at York University and instruct the Kindergarten Additional Qualifications courses. I always knew this was a special gift. Not only was I lucky enough to teach young children every day and support their families, but now I had the opportunity to also inspire more educators with their Kindergarten classes. I taught for six years straight, Kindergarten course after Kindergarten course, with many sections of close to fifty adult learners. The only word I can use to describe this chance encounter with my former student and friend Maureen Cicinelli, is serendipity.

Twelve years later and little did she know, that I was the one who was learning from her...

Maureen gifted me a copy of this book when we first met.

Maureen was an admired Kindergarten Teacher at St. Cecilia Catholic School in Maple, Ontario. She attended all of my Kindergarten courses, Reggio Emilia workshops, and CTInquiry network sessions. During this period of my career, I was fortunate to visit her treasured learning space a handful of times. Maureen's attention to detail and her care in offering materials in an aesthetically pleasing way was unlike anything I had ever experienced in the public school system. She quite literally poured her heart and soul into her vocation with children, and although she was famous for her Kindergarten, it was her inner beauty that truly touched my life.

Maureen was so generous. She never hesitated to offer her help or to host a Kindergarten meeting at her school. Even on her Summers off, Maureen would volunteer at my studio, so that my own small children (then an infant and toddler) could participate in the lessons, as I was teaching them. Later when she retired we were fortunate enough to have her visit our home twice a week to teach Sebby and Lily how to read.

I often watched her hands-on reading lessons in complete awe while my children made playdough, followed baking recipes, or went outside to plant flowers with Maureen. According to both of them, "Ms. Maureen was the nicest teacher in the whole wide world!" She truly was, and they were not exaggerating in the least!

Lily made this drawing.

She asked me:

"Mama can I send a text message to Ms. Maureen in heaven?

Will she read it? Do phones work up there in the clouds?"

-Age 7

Maureen never expected anything in return. She did not need the spotlight and always had a very humble/loving way about her. I was able to sneak a few photos of Maureen from my Kindergarten courses and her Summer volunteering with baby Lily in my studio.

I write this post as a thank you to Maureen for teaching me what it means to be a more patient and present person. Since meeting her, I am a better wife, mother, and educator. Maureen was all that was good in this world and though she took my courses, I was the one who really looked up to her. Maureen modelled that teaching and being with children was a privilege and a calling. Additionally, I observed how she truly appreciated each moment and that her love knew no bounds.

Maureen's rare light will still shine through the smiles of all of her former students, through their minds every time that they read or slow down to inquire about the world around them, and most undoubtedly through their hearts for all acts of kindness which she instilled in their character. She reaffirmed one of the greatest lessons in teaching -- learning happens when we build strong relationships. Our students are not looking for a perfect day plan, but rather want and need connection.

I am grateful for our 5 a.m. text message conversations and the limitless encouragement that she provided me over the years to share my passion for early childhood education, including on this blog...

Maureen was so special in so many ways. I will miss her greatly and plan to try and honour her memory and love for Kindergarten...