Biography

By Barbara E. Michel

For 35 years I have volunteered and worked in the field of education. Children are the future. I want to be part of making it happen for kids.

As pre-schoolers, my children were enrolled in a parent participation pre-school. I had college classes in early child behavior which enabled me to be the "teacher" when necessary.

When my children reached elementary school age, I became the room mother, Blue Bird and Brownie leader, PTA president person. I was very fortunate I had the opportunity to spend time with my children and be involved in their varied interests on a full-time basis.

As the economy changed and in order to keep my same lifestyle, I needed to find work. I applied and was hired by the Buena Park School District as an Instructional Assistant with Special Education students at Gordon Beatty Elementary School. These special children became a big part of my life for five years.

My next challenge was working as a Typist Clerk with categorical funding. I worked with children in the classrooms as well as assisting in planning new curriculum.

My love for reading to children and acting out the story parts afforded me a position as a library clerk. I must admit this was my favorite job. I loved seeing the creativity and imaginations erupt in the children. This job brought me to Emery, Whitaker, Pendleton and BPJH.

The District was now looking into "Before and After" School child care. As I had an Early Childhood Education certificate and experience in that field, I was asked to get the child cares off and running. Thus, Corey, Pendleton and Whitaker Child Cares. Emery Child Care was created five years later. I am thankful our District is able to continue supporting the communtity and the parents by offering this worthwhile benefit.

As my children advanced into their teenage years I decided to try working full time. I loved the company I worked for, the Buena Park School District, so applied and was chosen to work in the District payroll department. I advanced to an Accounting position until I decided to take advantage of a wonderful retirement package.

One of my daughters is still in the Buena Park School District working as a teacher. She also was the District "Teacher of the Year" for 2000.