Marcia Tivoli

My goal is to train others to be compassionate and mindful as they care for our youngest citizens. I directed early childhood development centers for fifteen (15) years and recognize that the teachers of our future leaders need much support. I provide professional development seminars for child care professionals virtually and in person to early childhood staff.

Today, children are connected via electronic devices, and as teachers, we must help them to connect socially with one another and with us as teachers. Students must know that you value them as a person; once they feel a teacher cares for them and respects them, then you have an opportunity to teach them. My philosophy in regard to teaching is that we should meet children where they are developmentally and without expectations. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Children come from diverse backgrounds—culturally, economically, and educationally—and their experiences are varied as well. Teachers must discern the ‘key’ that will work for each child, as all children are unique.

I received my AA from Indian River Community College in 1992; this is now Indian River State College; BS in paralegal studies and information technology from Nova Southeastern in Ft. Lauderdale in 1992, and my master’s in the Art of Teaching in December 2009 from Walden University. While enrolled at Walden University, I was concurrently enrolled at Montgomery College, taking foundational courses in Early Childhood. I am now a doctoral candidate in the Instructional Technology & Distance Education (ITDE) Doctoral Program at Nova Southeastern University completing my degree May 2024.