Alicia Chism chose the path of early childhood education out of passion and a “belief in the importance of providing young children with a strong foundation for learning.”

She has taught Head Start in Calcasieu Parish for five years, starting at J.D. Clifton Elementary School in 2019 and transferring to Jake Drost Head Start in Sulphur. As a Head Start teacher, she provides services, education and care that support early learning and development in Southwest Louisiana’s youth.

“I wanted to be part of a program that focuses on early intervention and provides children with the necessary skills and support to succeed in school.”

She was inspired to become a teacher because of the positive school experiences teachers made for her, and a “desire to inspire” in the same way.

“I also have a passion for learning and sharing knowledge with others, so teaching seemed like a natural fit for me.”

She is a Lake Charles native who attended Sulphur High School. During her senior year, she participated in the STEPS program at Sowela Technical Community College. The program lets high school seniors begin college while they are still in high school. After graduating, she transferred to McNeese State University to complete her degree in elementary education.

She has also earned a certificate for early childhood education.

At Jake Drost Head Start, she has the honor of seeing children blossom into their personalities and personhoods.

“My favorite part of teaching early childhood is witnessing the rapid growth and development of young children,” she explained. “It is truly amazing to see how quickly they learn new skills, make connections and develop their personalities.”

She builds relationships with her students with “mutual respect, trust and understanding,” taking the time to know each child on a personal level.

“I strive to create a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and asking questions.”

Her classroom environment is “welcoming and inclusive to learning” so her students feel comfortable and motivated to participate.

A proper early childhood education is vital to ensure they succeed throughout their education, and ultimately the workforce.

“My philosophy revolves around the belief that every student has the potential to succeed and that it is my role to support and guide them in reaching their full potential,” she said. “Education is a powerful tool for building stronger, more vibrant communities by empowering individuals to reach their full potential.”

Educators should always approach the craft with “passion and patience,” she said.

“Teaching is a demanding and rewarding profession that requires dedication, flexibility and a genuine love for learning and helping others to succeed.”