Meet Our 3's and 4's Teacher
Sarah Petrie
Sarah grew up in Bothell, WA, where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Mike. They have three amazing children — Jackson, 11; Samuel, 9; and Ella, 3. Sarah and her family recently relocated to Gig Harbor for her husband’s new job in Tacoma, and she is eager to put down roots in her beautiful new community.
After attending the University of Washington for Social Work, Sarah earned her Teacher’s Certification from Western Washington University. Prior to starting her family, Sarah taught for 7 years — 4 of those years in a multi-age, parent coop setting. As a parent and as an educator, she has seen the positive impact of coop preschools on families firsthand — and she’s thrilled to join the 3’s and 4’s at GHCP.
“As a teacher, I believe my role is to help children ask questions and wonder about the world. I give students opportunities to explore with their five senses, and then I do my best to simply get out of their way! As I see a child’s interests and passions begin to emerge, I follow their lead — creatively integrating language, reading, writing, math and science into the subjects my students are already keen to discover.
Children and parents alike thrive in a calm, laid-back learning environment — I tend to go-with-the-flow in the classroom. As children explore social relationships and learn to negotiate with others, I give them room to safely do so. If needed, I gently guide them toward solutions in hopes that they eventually learn to problem-solve on their own. Positive reinforcement is always my aim — it’s vital for children to know their teacher sees them as valued, lovable, creative and capable.
Additionally, as a mother of children with various sensory, language and behavioral differences, I’m able to see beyond children’s unique challenges to the potential within. Parenting has definitely gifted me with additional reserves of patience and understanding!”
After attending the University of Washington for Social Work, Sarah earned her Teacher’s Certification from Western Washington University. Prior to starting her family, Sarah taught for 7 years — 4 of those years in a multi-age, parent coop setting. As a parent and as an educator, she has seen the positive impact of coop preschools on families firsthand — and she’s thrilled to join the 3’s and 4’s at GHCP.
“As a teacher, I believe my role is to help children ask questions and wonder about the world. I give students opportunities to explore with their five senses, and then I do my best to simply get out of their way! As I see a child’s interests and passions begin to emerge, I follow their lead — creatively integrating language, reading, writing, math and science into the subjects my students are already keen to discover.
Children and parents alike thrive in a calm, laid-back learning environment — I tend to go-with-the-flow in the classroom. As children explore social relationships and learn to negotiate with others, I give them room to safely do so. If needed, I gently guide them toward solutions in hopes that they eventually learn to problem-solve on their own. Positive reinforcement is always my aim — it’s vital for children to know their teacher sees them as valued, lovable, creative and capable.
Additionally, as a mother of children with various sensory, language and behavioral differences, I’m able to see beyond children’s unique challenges to the potential within. Parenting has definitely gifted me with additional reserves of patience and understanding!”
Meet Our 2's Teacher
Karmen Furer
Originally from Wisconsin and formally educated in Social Work, Karmen has extensive experience working with children, from newborns to adolescents, and their families. Karmen has over ten years of professional experience in developing programs and individualized education plans designed around children’s strengths and interests. Working collaboratively with various educational professionals, therapists, parents, and social workers, she has focused her work on identifying and addressing children’s complex emotional and education needs.
Karmen began her journey in the Cooperative Preschool model in Seattle when she enrolled her eldest daughter in a toddler program at Latona Cooperative Preschool. Immediately, she was drawn to the concepts and benefits of Cooperative Education. She took on leadership roles in both of her daughters’ cooperative preschool programs in Seattle, maintaining board positions each year, working directly with the lead teachers. In 2014, she and her family relocated to Gig Harbor and enrolled her youngest daughter in the 2’s program at The Gig Harbor Cooperative Preschool.
"My education philosophy is simple; as a parent and professional, I believe that we learn through play. A child-centered, emergent curriculum can empower our children to take an active role in their educational development. If they are emotionally invested in their own learning path, they can achieve higher levels of understanding. When the children gravitate towards particular interests, we will further explore these class generated ideas, providing structured activities capturing the children’s creativity and imagination.
"I am thrilled to be the 2’s teacher at The Gig Harbor Cooperative Preschool. The co-op preschool model is so beneficial to your child’s educational development. Parents gain an even greater understanding and enjoyment of their own children through this active participation in their education. Parents have the opportunity to share their experience and expertise with one another while working collaboratively together. Children and families develop community through the collective experience, creating strong friendships and social bonds for years to come."
Karmen began her journey in the Cooperative Preschool model in Seattle when she enrolled her eldest daughter in a toddler program at Latona Cooperative Preschool. Immediately, she was drawn to the concepts and benefits of Cooperative Education. She took on leadership roles in both of her daughters’ cooperative preschool programs in Seattle, maintaining board positions each year, working directly with the lead teachers. In 2014, she and her family relocated to Gig Harbor and enrolled her youngest daughter in the 2’s program at The Gig Harbor Cooperative Preschool.
"My education philosophy is simple; as a parent and professional, I believe that we learn through play. A child-centered, emergent curriculum can empower our children to take an active role in their educational development. If they are emotionally invested in their own learning path, they can achieve higher levels of understanding. When the children gravitate towards particular interests, we will further explore these class generated ideas, providing structured activities capturing the children’s creativity and imagination.
"I am thrilled to be the 2’s teacher at The Gig Harbor Cooperative Preschool. The co-op preschool model is so beneficial to your child’s educational development. Parents gain an even greater understanding and enjoyment of their own children through this active participation in their education. Parents have the opportunity to share their experience and expertise with one another while working collaboratively together. Children and families develop community through the collective experience, creating strong friendships and social bonds for years to come."