June 1, 2018

By Shawn Deiter

When first meeting Pre-K Counts Assistant Teacher Lynn Unger, she comes across as a quiet, calm person. Behind her reserved exterior is a talented, creative person who cares deeply about children. 

“Children remind me to be compassionate, to be persistent, to let things go and to just enjoy life and have fun,” Lynn said.

An important factor in a child’s success is having a highly qualified teacher. Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers takes pride in hiring experienced professionals, such as Lynn. She received an associate's degree in early childhood education from Lehigh Carbon Community College, then a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Cedar Crest College. She has 15 years of experience working in the early education field, including the last three years at LVCC.

Lynn works as a Pre-K Counts assistant teacher at LVCC on Union Boulevard in Allentown. Rather than defining her role as support to the lead teacher in the classroom, Lynn and Lead Teacher Sandy Haas work together as a team. They have implemented a plan where both teachers contribute to lesson plans, making the schedule and environment flow for the children, filling out assessments, and adjusting roles as needed throughout the day.

Lynn’s coworkers find her thoughtful and considerate. The children adore her. She easily assumes a leadership role as the afternoon extended care teacher. In fact, she works well in situations that call for flexibility. On occasion, she fills in for LVCC’s after-school program inside Ritter Elementary School in Allentown.

“I like working for LVCC because of the focus we place on the children and families we serve, as well as making our [early education] programs accessible to people within our community,” Lynn said.

Her respectful approach has created a good rapport with families. They feel comfortable talking to her and opening up about any challenges in their child’s life. 

“Teachers should take the time to get to know the children and families with whom they are working,” Lynn said. “One of the best foundations for a successful classroom is a positive relationship between the educator and students and their families.”

Lynn considers herself an “emergent” teacher; this means she follows a child-initiated teaching style. She includes activities led by the children's interests and needs.

“The children become more responsive and engaged and in turn, the experience becomes more meaningful to them,” Lynn said.

Lynn coaches baton twirling outside of work. During transition times in the classroom, she shows her class how to do similar types of stretching and dancing techniques from twirling, which the children enjoy.

“I also enjoy teaching science, especially hands-on experiments. Something as simple as making play dough or slime can be impactful. It involves a variety of skills and standards, as well as allows children to create materials and see how they change,” Lynn said.