Head Start Teacher Earns Degree

posted 7/1/20 -- Hopkins-Locke Head Start Teacher Alexandria Stottlemire wanted to teach her kids to never stop chasing their dreams. That kept her motivated while she pursued her recently awarded bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at Grand Canyon University.

A single mom of four, Alexandria has been at Hopkins-Locke since 2018 and previous worked in the center a few years before that.

“I was bouncing back and forth between so many jobs during this time trying to find a good fit for us while I finished school,” she said. “In 2018, I finally made it back and was able to finish while being able to support us financially as well.”

Alexandria said her family and coworkers were extremely supportive, especially Site Administrator Akeea Nelson. Her best friend pushed her as well as her four kids: Katrina, Alyzabeth, Gabriella and Alexander.

She is now pursuing a master’s degree in reading, also through Grand Canyon University.

“My youngest daughter has dyslexia and struggles with reading so I wanted to open doors for myself to be able to help her and others with reading difficulties,” Alexandria said. “Reading is such a huge part of education and life. Without being successful at reading life will be so much more difficult.”

Congratulations, Alexandria from your Head Start and LCCAA family!