In Conversation With
Sandra Floyd
Sandra shares her reflections as a Reggio Emilia-Inspired and anti-bias centered educator, mentor, and studio facilitator.
Sandra joins Learning Story Academy Director, Julia Koumbassa, from her studio at Epiphany Early Learning and Preschool in Seattle, WA, USA to share reflections on her work as a preschool and studio teacher centered in anti-bias practices and inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia.
I have been in the early childhood education field for more than 20 years and have worked within many different settings and philosophies. I am currently both a preschool teacher and a mentor teacher at EELP. I truly love working with children and feel blessed that I have found my passion. In the last ten years I have expanded my work in the field by lecturing on the Reggio Emilia philosophy, mentoring teachers, designing preschool classrooms and art studios and contributing to publications and training DVDs. At the heart of my teaching is the belief that teaching and learning happens within relationship. I also believe that the combination of play and critical thinking is how children learn best. When I am not working I am most likely spending time with my friends and family, who all live in the area. Having my family in the Seattle area has kept me living here the majority of my adult life; going from elementary school all the way through the University of Washington. The lack of sunshine has been a constant struggle for me, but is alleviated by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Another passion of mine is traveling the world. In the past few years I have been able to visit and even work in a few childcare centers in different parts of the globe. I love to expand my knowledge of what quality early education looks like.