Several of my staff members met Michele while she was teaching the early childhood course, Early Childhood Methods and Materials, at Anne Arundel Community College. They described her as a dynamic teacher who always held their interest, made the information engaging and pertinent, and was supportive whenever asked. Because of their recommendation, I hired Michele.
Two years ago, I asked Michele if she would consider writing a training class for me. I was looking for a Conflict Resolution class for adults. There is a lot out there for teaching conflict resolution to children but my staff had requested a more adult version for working with parents and co-workers. The class was a total success: my staff had the opportunity to take an in-depth look at how we end up in conflict, and to reflect on and practice new skills. Each staff member learned how we approach conflict resolution depending on our personal communication style. As a facilitator, Michele’s goal was to equip even the quietest and/or most reserved staff member with the understanding and confidence needed to face an uncomfortable situation and to have a voice in its resolution. The evening-scheduled, 3-hour class flew by as we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, providing value-added teamwork and camaraderie.
One of Michele’s talents is her credibility as a trainer. When she uses real-life experiences to illustrate her material, those in the class know that she understands their perspective and needs. She makes sure that she is relevant, empathetic, respectful and supportive of the work we do. She keeps the training pace moving while providing a variety of activities that respect different learning styles. Her sense of humor sets a relaxed atmosphere; laughter keeps everyone engaged. It isn’t everyone who can teach for 6 hours and stay fresh, keep the material moving, and the audience absorbed. Michele is adept at including relevant anecdotes and her delightful sense of humor in her delivery.
Michele is competent, caring, responsive, and a great cheerleader for early childhood education. I consider myself lucky to have her as a resource and a colleague in our industry.
Jessica Kemperhttp://woodscdc.org
I was able to apply what I learned as a coaching tool. I utilized the skill statements as feedback to my staff. It made the connection for them as to what they are doing and how it is so valuable to a child’s development. We also were able to develop strategies for expanding and scaffolding their lesson plans to challenge children to meet their next milestone.
Heather Hudson
This training really helped me as a new infant and toddler teacher. I never once work with children ages birth – 3, yet this class gave me the confidence and resources to be the best infant and toddler teacher I can be.
Veronica Kelly
This class really allows you to delve into your own teaching practices and provides and opportunity to find a why, and how, to be a better teacher/educator for yourself and for your students. Highly recommend.
Celina Fitch
This training really helped me as a new infant and toddler teacher. I never once work with children ages birth – 3, yet this class gave me the confidence and resources to be the best infant and toddler teacher I can be.
Natasha Washington
I enjoy the instructors’ knowledge of being in our roles and having the experiences to relate to the material they are training. It makes it more relatable and open for communication knowing they have been where I am. I enjoy the relatable stories to connect the new material as it helps me understand and store the new or refresher information. The vibe from the trainers are refreshing cheerful and willing to welcome us all. Open to help and guide us when ever needed.
Anonymous
Michele Hall is a true expert in the Early Childhood Education field. Her expertise does not only come from knowledge gained through education and experience, but from a genuine love for children. Michele dives deep into any project she is involved in and is often looked at to take charge, if she hasn’t already taken on the role herself. There is no one else that I have met throughout my 10 years of experience in this field that is as committed to its success as a whole than Michele.
On a personal note, I was fortunate enough to have Michele’s commitment to help with my professional growth. She changed my life forever one day when we sat together and worked on a written list and timeline of goals I wanted to achieve within Early Childhood Education. Michele dedicated a significant amount of time keeping me accountable in attaining those goals. All of these years later, I still have that piece of paper which serves as a reminder of how Michele shaped my professional life.
Michele has a one of a kind spirit and energy that fuels your drive to do and be better.
Thank you for everything, Michele!
Alberto Acosta
This class has made me stop and think about the actions and reactions I have on children as they play, largely in their social emotional elements in their early years of growth. It makes me evaluate my role, and where I can lead and/or teach the value of the importance of social emotional relationships and development in young children.