Kindergarten Teachers Talk Fun, Love of Learning

In many times going to school board meetings, I often don't know of the elementary and secondary teachers in the district. I sent out a questionnaire about each grade and the teachers involved, hoping to learn more about the teachers, their passions and their vision for the students in our district for years to come.

This week, we welcome the kindergarten teachers.

My kindergarten teacher Mrs. Nancy Byler left a profound impact in my life. She was an absolutely delightful teacher and one of the reasons I got into teaching myself.

For these two Williamsburg teachers - Traci Totillo and Kelly Moushlian - kindergarten is a fun age and the love of learning is just beginning.

Traci Totillo

After Totillo graduated from Central in 2002, she went to Mount Aloysius, where she obtained a degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education and General Science. In 2021, Totillo received her Master's Degree in Information and Library Science with School Media Library from Clarion University.

"I've always wanted to be a teacher, I can remember playing school at home when I was young," Totillo said.

For Totillo, that love of learning stems too from great teachers.

"I've had many wonderful teachers but two of my most memorable were Lori Perrin in first grade, and Nellie Cowher in second."

Totillo started in the district in 2015 and loves the relationships that are made with the students and co-workers in the district. Williamsburg, according to Totillo, "is a wonderful small town. Everyone knows each other and they take care of each other. If anyone is ever in need, they find a way to show support. This feeling carries over into the school district as well. Our staff knows the students well and we are always ready to help them with whatever is in need."

Her teaching philosophy allows her to get to know her students well.

"A big part of our time in Kindergarten is spent learning that mistakes are okay, and we can learn from them," Totillo said.

Kindergarten, according to Totillo, "is the most magical age to witness in school. The students start the year maybe knowing how to write their names and by the end of the year, they are writing little stories with the best kid-invented spelling. If anyone is feeling down, just walk into a Kindergarten classroom and you will have 20 compliments flying at you."

Totillo and her husband Brian live with their two cats and a very spoiled dog. She has six fantastic nieces and nephews, three of whom live locally, and Totillo and her husband love spending time with them.

Kelly Moushlian

Kelly Moushlian was born and raised in Waynesburg, a town south of Pittsburgh. She graduated from California University of PA with an Elementary Education degree. After getting married and moving to Maryland, she taught in Baltimore. She also has her Master's Degree in Special Education from Regent University and has been teaching for 17 years.

"I have always known I wanted to be a teacher," Moushlian said. "As the oldest of three siblings, I have always loved kids and felt natural around kids. I volunteered at church with kids growing up, and I knew teaching was where I was meant to be."

Moushlian said two of her favorite teachers were her kindergarten teacher Mrs. Logan and high school teacher Mrs. Cleavenger.

Moushlian began teaching in Williamsburg in 2017 at the first grade level and then moved to kindergarten after a few years. According to Moushlian, the best part of the job "is the relationships with students. Knowing that for one year, I'm a trusted adult in their everyday lives and getting to play a small part in their growth and learning is special."

She also loves the town of Williamsburg. "I love so much about this sweet little town. The way the community bands together to take care of their own is amazing and watching these kids grow up together and be so close to everyone in their grade is truly special."

She, like Totillo, agrees that kindergarten really is the sweetest age.

"The students come to school knowing very little and the growth they make is absolutely remarkable," Moushlian said. "It is by far the biggest year of growth in elementary school. It is so neat to see that growth firsthand with my students."

Kelly's husband is an ordained minister and works for a local church, which is what brought them to the area eight years ago. They have three active kids - JJ, Bayley, and Lincoln - and two crazy dogs.