Creating Confident Learners: Tammy Brown's Teaching Philosophy

For Tammy Brown ’25, education was always important to her family. While Tammy’s parents never received college degrees, museum trips and Sunday comic sessions fostered early reading and comprehension in Tammy and her siblings, while strengthening their creativity. Tammy’s maternal grandmother often recited a familiar motto: “Everybody can learn something!” Her mother and grandmother’s encouragement nurtured confidence in Tammy’s ability to learn — and a growing aptitude for teaching. Tammy carries the same confidence in her classroom as a Pre-K teacher for Prairie Hills ESD 144. As an early childhood educator with over 30 years of experience, Tammy is now looking to support incoming teachers as a Teacher Mentor. 

Although teaching came naturally to Tammy, she first pursued a rigorous business program. As a first-generation college student, she took on a full course load and two part-time jobs, feeling the weight of perceived family expectations. In reflection, Tammy realized that the self-inflicted pressure she put upon herself outweighed the purpose of her education, and she did not know how to find a balance. During her second opportunity to complete her undergraduate degree, she learned to focus on the “why” that drew her back to the classroom. Tammy says, “Once I understood my “why” I could accomplish so much more. Whenever I graduated, my ancestors graduated.” Tammy would go on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Chicago State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Illinois State University.

While Tammy’s pathway to early childhood education stemmed from the need for employment, she truly invested in every opportunity to become a better educator. This included pursuing a graduate degree at GovState. Tammy says, “I love GovState,” she says, “and I shout it from the rooftops often. The staff were amazing and the professors were the absolute cherry on top.” She highlights Professors Sandrick, Kelly, Hisrich, and Vujaklija as her core support system, especially during moments when success felt unattainable. Tammy said, “Dr. Vujaklija said to me, ‘You can pass it, Tammy, try this route.’ I trusted her, I trusted the process...because of her, and in a blink of an eye, everything that I had worked so many years for was obtainable…content exam passed, PEL granted.” Tammy’s hard work paid off, and she graduated with a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education in 2025.

Tammy's passion for teaching shines through her consideration for each child, regardless of learning ability. She urges educators to set realistic expectations for each child and to treat each learner with respect by incorporating them in classroom activities, from making rules to cleaning up. It is important to initiate a positive tone for a child’s academic journey, to make sure they understand that they are supported from the very beginning. Tammy loves seeing the look on her students’ faces when they are making an effort to learn something new, and her most fulfilling moments come from witnessing their “light bulb” moments. She encourages anyone interested in the teaching profession to do some soul-searching. The education system needs teachers who can persevere and be flexible during challenging times. Tammy also emphasizes the role of parent and educator collaboration in the trajectory of a child's learning journey. She says, “Without the parent and educator working together, how will the best possible consideration and resources be given to the child? Parents we cannot do it without you… you matter too!” 

Tammy’s wisdom extends to the next generation of teachers, as she pursues a post-graduate Educational Leadership certificate. She aims to make a profound difference in new teachers' lives and equip them with the necessary tools to teach in this ever-changing profession. For students struggling in their education programs, Tammy adds, “Talk to your instructors or your department head...they are here for you and want to help you reach your full potential...they have to know you need help…you got this!” 

Make no mistake, when Tammy is out of the classroom, she is teaching her grandchildren to become confident learners. She has even inspired her children to further their education. We are proud of Tammy for using her expertise to raise the next generation of learners and educators.