Susie Morales – 3-Hour Class

“We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing."

My name is Susie Morales, and I teach the preschool class. I feel fortunate that my job is my passion, since working with children is what fulfills me. A love of learning begins at a very young age, and I instill this love for learning in my preschool students. In my teaching, I feel that I am continually learning and growing along with the children.

My love for children began with my own family. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 43 years, and we have four children and eleven beautiful grandchildren.

I love animals, and my family jokes that I run a zoo at my house! I have dogs, cats, turtles, lizards, chameleons, frogs, tarantulas, bearded dragons, rabbits, and a chubby little hamster. In my spare time, I enjoy snowboarding in the winter, water sports in the summer, and softball all year long.

I have been involved with the Moreland School District in various roles for over 20 years. I have had the honor of teaching for the Moreland Preschool since it opened in 2004. My longevity with the preschool is due to the fact that my philosophy of early childhood education matches that of the school. I believe that each child is unique, and I provide a secure, caring, nurturing and stimulating atmosphere so that each child can grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. I believe that the secret to good teaching is learning how to create an environment where children are able to thrive and grow. I feel it is of utmost importance to have an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and most importantly, emphasizes socialization of the children in order to promote respect for all things and people. I believe that a child's natural curiosity will allow the child to grow in all of these areas. I am looking forward to taking your child on this journey with me.

Ashley Messner – 5-Hour Class

"If you can dream it, you can do it." (Walt Disney)

My name is Ashley Messner and I am a preschool teacher here at the Moreland Preschool.  My love for children led me to study Child and Adolescent Development and San Jose State University.  Since joining to Moreland community in 2005, I truly feel I have found my passion in teaching.  I especially love teaching the younger children, and I want to instill in them a life-long love of learning.  I also love to incorporate lots of books and reading, since my love of learning came from a love of reading when I was a young child.  Some of the fondest memories you can create with your children is reading with them!

I currently live in San Jose with my husband, Jeremy, and son, Cole.  We love to explore all the beautiful destinations the Bay Area and California have to offer.  From hiking to biking, boating and sledding, we love it all!  You may even find us at various farmers markets and food truck locations.  We are also huge Disneyland fans-so many opportunities to be creative and explore!  Not only do we love running around Disneyland like kids, we also love the message behind Disney; “If you can dream it, you can do it” (Walt Disney).

I am excited to not only get to know and teach your child, but to re-explore the world your child’s eyes.  Partner with me on the learning express-along the way we will explore, play, socialize, and learn!

Dolores Rauscher – 5-Hour Class

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." (Maya Angelou)

Hello my name is Dolores Rauscher. I was born and raised here in the Bay Area and I currently live in San Jose with my loving husband and two daughters. Both our families live locally so there are always many gatherings to attend. I also enjoy exploring any outdoor events in the area; family outings; walks with our dog, Buddy; family movie nights; and supporting my daughters in all their sporting events.

My love for working with children began at an early age. I am the oldest of four siblings which I cared for growing up. I was so drawn to the curiosity and development of a child that I wanted to learn more. After many child development classes, I got my first job at an after school care site. I loved it so much that I knew then and there I wanted to continue my love of working with children. I then received an opportunity to teach at a private preschool in which I gained a lot of experience and enjoyed it so much that I stayed there for 11 years. After the birth of my second daughter, I was blessed with the opportunity to stay home and spend time with my girls. Once my second daughter began the 3rd grade at Baker Elementary, I made the decision to return to what I loved so much! I began volunteering and seeking other opportunities within the Moreland School District and the experiences led me to the Moreland Preschool. I can truly say that I feel right at home at the Moreland Preschool and it is my home away from home. I began working as a teacher aide and this is now my fifth year as a teacher here at the preschool. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing team and to be a part of the Moreland Preschool family. I strongly believe that we learn just as much from our children as they do from us, and I believe that partnering together with our families is the best way to support the children in order to help them be successful. I look forward to working with your kiddos and instilling a lifelong love of learning in an environment that is safe and nurturing for them to grow socially, emotionally and academically.