Courtney Ornelas
White Center Preschool Teacher
A Bit About Me
After a lifetime of other professions, Teacher Courtney found early education. South Seattle College’s co-op preschool made a life-achanging impact on her family. Because of this experience, she is passionate about educating children and caregivers in positive parenting methods. Teacher Courtney wants to educate in this environment because she believes strongly in the impact positive caregiving can have on not only children, but families and communities. Tapping into a love of science and experimentation, alongside the utilization of her bachelor’s degree in
English Literature, Teacher Courtney loves to immerse the classroom in a myriad of subjects. As an instructor, she loves using her creativity to set the tone for meaningful lessons. In her free time Teacher Courtney enjoys spending time with family, improving her Spanish language skills, swimming, exploring all the beautiful forests of Washington and exploring all of the beautiful coffee shops and bakeries of Washington.
What is your superpower?
Hmmm...autodidacticism and creativity. I want to always know more and grow as a person and I integrate that passion into the classroom. I love to try something a million different ways to see how something works, to improve, for excitement, and for a challenge.
Share your favorite preschooler-approved joke!
My favorite preschool joke is a joke my kiddo made up- why did the donut go to the hardware store? For a sprinkler.
Share the most unusual or adorable item you've found in your pocket after a day at school.
My favorite apron pocket accompaniment is a child's stuffie or lovey. When a child feels safe enough to let me hold on to their most beloved friend due to their feelings of safety in the classroom, their trust in me, and/or their emotional growth, it makes me feel so proud of their bravery and the developmental leap they've made.
What does co-op mean to you?
Coop means a desire to make the world a better place through giving children and families the tools to invoke compassion, inquisitiveness, empathy, determination, cooperation, and joy. It is a place to heal, grow, and model emotional resilience while delighting in children's development and instilling a lifelong interest in learning.