Shining a Light On . . . Renee Price

Early Childhood Center lead teacher Renee Price is the fun-loving mother of three St. Agnes Stars. She is incredibly creative, yet practical. Her down-to-earth nature and sense of humor make her well-suited to a classroom full of Junior Kindergarten kids. Take a minute to get to know Renee and her passion for teaching.

What is your educational background?

I graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Go Tigers! 

How many years have you been teaching?

This is my 12th year of teaching.  I taught in public schools for 5 years, took a little break to start my family, and have now been at SAA-SDS for 6 years.

Why did you want to become a teacher?  

I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. As crazy as it sounds, I never really considered another profession! I loved school myself and had some amazing teachers along the way. I wanted to be that teacher that kids would remember one day-the teacher that made learning fun and exciting. 

What do you like most about teaching Junior Kindergarten?

I love watching the kids grow and learn. Their little minds at this age are truly amazing. They can absorb so much information, and by the end of the year you can see just how much they have grown, particularly through their journal writing and reading.

I try to build a special bond with each and every one of my students. I love watching them light up when they learn something new or get an answer right. 

What do you hope to accomplish in your job?

My wish is that I can foster a deep love of learning from an early age. I want everyone who walks in my class to feel loved and know that even when they leave, they can always come back to me for help. 

What are some ways you bring lessons to life?

We have two big field trips in Junior Kindergarten that give us an opportunity to take learning outside of our classrooms. During our unit on Farms, we go visit a real farm to meet the different animals and learn how all things work on a farm. When we are studying the Solar System unit, we take a trip to the planetarium to learn all about the night sky.

What makes the St. Agnes-St. Dominic ECC experience unique? 

The ECC is a very special place. From PK2 through to JK our students get to experience and learn so much in a safe, nurturing environment. We build a huge support system for every child-from their very first teacher to their last. It is so bittersweet when we watch the JK students graduate and move on to the Lower Schools.

Which of the Dominican Pillars-Study, Prayer, Community, or Service-is supported most by your role here, or which one impacts you the most/means the most to you?

I think out of the Four Pillars, Community is the one that is supported most by my role. Building relationships with the kids and their families starting at an early age is the most important thing we do. With three daughters in the Lower School, I get to be on both sides of the relationship at different times: I get to build relationships through my role as a teacher, and I get to build friendships on a personal level as well.

 I have made many great connections with families over the years. I have been a buddy family to new families for several years now, and I love being able to help new families feel welcome at our school and answer any questions they might have. 

As you mentioned, in addition to to being an SAA-SDS educator, you are also a parent to 3 Lower School girls.  Describe the pros of the single-gender experience and why it is important to you for your girls to be here at SAA?

The first reason we sought out SAA was for the religious aspect. Growing up I did not attend private school and had to take classes at night to receive my sacraments. I loved the idea of my girls being able to get everything they need here at school, spiritually and academically.

I love the Four Pillars and how they are helping to mold my young ladies. They can learn in an environment where they never feel overshadowed or afraid to say, "I want to be president one day." These girls are learning that they truly can be and do anything they want to in life. They build each other up and are forming lifelong bonds with some of the very best friends they will ever have.   

What are you most grateful for?

I am most grateful for a happy healthy family!

What are your hobbies/interests outside of the classroom? What are you particularly passionate about?

When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family. We love to be outdoors, and we try to find small towns to explore. My husband and I want to share as many experiences with our girls as we can. When I am not with my family, you can usually find me baking, exercising, or reading.