Grace Preschool Staff

The Grace Preschool staff has certification in CPR, Communicable Disease, Child Abuse Recognition and First Aid. Our Lead Teacher / Administrator, Mrs. Bonita Sears, has an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Pre-K certification and additional training in early childhood literacy along with 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, including previous experience as director of preschool and child care programs.

Lead Teacher — Bonita Sears

My name is Bonita Sears, although I prefer Bonnie.  I began my journey in early childhood as an instructor at Polaris Adult Education Center for their Creative Play classes and Play Gym classes in the mid 90’s.  I enjoyed the children and their families and this motivated me to return to college to earn an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education.  I am an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Berea and have served as their Sunday School Superintendent and Christian Education Director.  I received my degree in Early Childhood education in 2003.  I have taught in a variety of preschool and daycare settings, including Little Acorn Daycare, Mt. Calvary Lutheran Nursery School, Growing in Faith Early Childhood Center, and as an administrator at Happy Hills daycare.

I am happy to have an opportunity to begin a new program at Grace Lutheran Church and return to the classroom as lead teacher and administrator.  I enjoy many aspects of being an administrator, but my greatest joy comes from the daily interactions with the children.  I derive great joy in helping a child discover the wonder of learning. I believe a love of learning and the joy of discovery are keys to future success in school and life.  As a life long learner, I continue to grow in my understanding of early childhood education.  After graduation from Cuyahoga Community College, I finished a series of course work which took a more in-depth look at building a solid foundation for reading and writing in young children from birth to five.  These college courses helped me grow as a teacher and changed my outlook and approach to literacy in the early childhood classroom.  As a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, I am continually seeking to learn more about early childhood development and teaching young children through play and self-initiated learning.

I am married and have three adult children and five grandchildren. I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren. My husband and I enjoy riding our tandem bicycle on the towpath and through our wonderful metro parks.  I love nature, animals and the outdoors and I believe I bring a great deal of that joy to the classroom. I love sharing Christ’s love with the children and believe in making a “joyful noise unto the Lord”.  My hobbies include Bible Study, reading and photography.