2.  My name is Tamela West. I am have been married to my best friend for 14 years. We are the proud parents of three awesome children, Talaya, Jamias and Devine.  I live by the principle of putting God first, my family second and everything else will fall into place.  I enjoy attending church and working with the youth in the community.

3.  I have my › Administration Certificate › Associate’s in Early Childhood Education › Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education › North Carolina State Teaching License

4.  Work History › I was the director of a childcare center for ten years. › I have 2 years of voluntary experience with kindergarten students. › I have been working with Head Start for the last three years as the lead teacher.

5. Having had taken advance classes from 7 th grade thru the 11 th grade, I decided I wanted to take it easy my 12 th grade year. However, my plans came to an abrupt halt, when the principle of my school saw that I had enrolled in basic classes. I was called into the office and given a lecture about why taking the easy road was not an option for me. When I finally got the opportunity to express my opinion, I recall saying something to the effect of, “I wanted to receive an easy “A”. In short, I ended up taken honor classes for my 12 th grade year as well. Now, that I am older and a little wiser, I see how important it was for me not to take the easy road. Now, that I am a teacher, I am still challenging myself to learn new ways to teach my students and encourage them to be the best they can be.

6.  After receiving my Masters in Education, I plan to continue on and receive my doctorate. With that being said, when I complete this program, I do not have any plans for a job change. Eventually, I would love to teach college students the basics of early childhood and the importance of providing young children a strong foundation for learning.

7. There are several quotes that stress the importance of doing your best and helping others. However, the one quote that always stands out to me simply says…….. “If in my life, I have helped at least one person achieve his or her dream, then my living was not in vain”. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.