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Our Teachers
Sarah O'Brien
Lead Teacher
Hi, I'm Ms. Sarah! I am from Illinois. I moved to Alaska last year when my husband was assigned to JBER. Before moving, I had the opportunity to teach at a preschool and I absolutely fell in love with it. I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education, but I’ve realized my heart is in preschool! Outside of school, you can find me doing a puzzle, learning to crochet, spoiling my guinea pigs, or fostering them too!
Tia Goward
Teacher Assistant / Paraprofessional
Hi! I’m Tia Goward, I am a born and raised Alaskan. Growing up in Chugiak, Alaska I got to experience so many amazing Alaskan sports including deep sea fishing, snowboarding, and even dog mushing! I’ve always loved being active and enjoying the outdoors! I began working with kids when I was still a kid myself! At Anchorage First Assembly I have been a part of their children’s ministry since I was 14 years old! Since then I have helped with countless fun filled events for our precious ones. Anything from Sunday school, nurseries, conferences, vbs events, and so much more. I am grateful to be a part of ACP and for all the joy the kids have brought me. I’m a mom to a preschooler, we have so much fun reading, painting, dancing and playing.
Shayenne Thomson
Teacher Assistant / Paraprofessional
Hi, I'm Ms. Shay! I am a lifelong Alaskan. I am currently a UAA Early Childhood Education student and paraprofressional at Turnagain Elementary during the 2022-23 school year. I graduated high school with a seal of biliteracy from the Japanese immersion program here in Anchorage. I am excited to learn more and teach more with children at ACP!
Jessica McCartan
Director
Hello - I'm Ms. Jess! As Director, I am passionate about helping our program grow to be a fun, safe, and welcoming spot for all kiddos and families. I enjoy supporting our wonderful team of teachers and parents, as well as the most genuinely kind students I have ever met. I am grateful to have a supportive family with two young kiddos and enjoy exploring all of the opportunities this beautiful state affords us. I take pride in helping to create an environment where everyone is welcome and am excited to be part of Anchorage Cooperative Preschool!
ACP is located in Midtown Anchorage.
While the ACP facility is housed in the First Christian Church, the school’s curriculum does not include any specific religious education. The Church believes in utilizing its facilities for benefit of the community and offers ACP reasonable rent so that our school can remain affordable while appealing to a diverse population.
Our classroom has an art area, gross motor area, and large play area. Within our classroom one will find toys that encourage creativity, exploration, and imaginative play. Further, they are designed to help children develop skills in cooperative play as they grow from 3 through 5.
One of our greatest assets is our large, shaded playground. During their outside time, our students are frequently found building homes for bugs, “working” in the mulch with construction vehicles, sledding around the playground or engaged in imaginary play and games with teachers and friends. Children’s laughter is frequently heard as they slide with friends on the play structure.