Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky have some absolutely amazing educators! Including Ms. Abby Sunderman from Northminster Preschool. Let’s get to know her a little bit better…
1. What was your favorite subject growing up?
English class was always my favorite growing up. School never came easy for me, so I often felt like I had to work harder just to keep up with everyone else. English wasn’t necessarily “easy” either, but reading became something I genuinely loved. It gave me a sense of confidence that I definitely didn’t feel in other subjects. I loved consuming stories and connecting with characters, and it made school feel a little less overwhelming. I would even get in trouble in class for sneaking a book in my lap. That love has definitely stuck with me— I still read about a book a week now, and I try to bring that same excitement for books into my classroom.
2. What clubs and extracurriculars did you take part of as a student?
I was definitely a shy introvert growing up, so I wasn’t heavily involved in a lot of activities when I was younger, I played soccer and volleyball, which I enjoyed. But as I got older I tried a few different things without really sticking to one long-term. I think I was still figuring out where I fit and what I enjoyed, which is something I see in my students too, it’s part of why I try to create a classroom where kids are comfortable to explore, try new things, and build their own confidence.
3. Who influenced you to go into teaching?
Honestly, I was very set on not becoming a teacher. Since I struggled in school, it wasn’t an environment I wanted to spend my career doing. But I spent a lot of time babysitting younger cousins, and family members would always tell me I was good with kids and should teach. Eventually, a family I babysat for suggested I apply to be a helper in their child’s preschool classroom. I went into it thinking it would just be a part time job, but over the school year something clicked. I realized how much I loved working with that age group. That completely changed my perspective, and I ended up staying and working my way up to becoming a lead teacher with my own classroom.
4. What is your favorite part of your daily teaching life?
My favorite part is definitely the kids themselves. I work with such a curious, silly, and unpredictable age group, and they say and do things everyday that make me laugh. There’s never a boring day with preschoolers. I also really love creating hands on, play-based activities and watching how engaged they get. It might not look like a traditional classroom, but there’s still so much learning that goes into those moments.
5. How many years have you been teaching?
This is my sixth year working in a preschool classroom, and my fourth year as a lead teacher with my own class. I’ve had a chance to learn from different roles, coworkers, and experiences, which has helped me get to where I am.
6. In what ways are you active in your school’s community (coaching/clubs/volunteer work)?
Since we’re a smaller, church based preschool, we don’t exactly have extracurricular programs. But I try to be involved in ways that support both my coworkers and our families. I focus a lot on building strong relationships, being a support system, and creating a positive and welcoming classroom environment. I also run an Instagram account (@glitterandplay) where I share what our classroom actually looks like day to day. There’s a common misconception that preschool is just playtime or simple crafts, but we spend a lot of time working on social-emotional skills, independence, and preparing children for a school setting. I enjoy sharing our activities and explaining the purpose behind them so parents and other educators can better understand how much learning is happening through play.
7. What is something interesting about you that your students would be surprised to learn?
My students would probably be surprised to know how shy I was growing up. I wasn’t someone who liked speaking up or being the center of attention, which feels very different from what I do now. As a teacher, I have no problem using my voice, being silly with them, or standing my ground.
8. If you could pass along one piece of advice to your students, what would it be?
That learning can be fun.
I’m really passionate that learning doesn’t have to be boring and miserable. Kids schools feel excited to explore and try new things. When children are interested and engaged, they naturally want to learn more, and that’s when the most meaningful learning happens. I hope that their first experiences with school help them see learning as something positive, not something to be afraid of.
Note from Ms. Abby Sunderman:
I’m currently participating in the America’s Favorite Teacher contest, which is a nationwide competition that highlights and supports amazing educators. It’s really been a really exciting opportunity to be a part of something that recognizes teachers and the work they do.
I recently made it into the next round and am now working to place first in my group to move on to the quarterfinals. The contest is based on public voting, and you can vote for free once every 24 hours.
If anyone would like to support a local classroom, I would really appreciate your vote, it would mean a lot— not just for me, but for my classroom and the work I’m passionate about.
Know a terrific teacher who is deserving of an Educator Spotlight? E-mail us at amandac@frg.inc
