From left, teacher Joan Lyons, Matthew Hood, and Lucy Maiore. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

Joan Lyons' integrated prekindergarten class at Hildreth Elementary School is a lively mix of 3- to 5-year-olds with a wide range of personalities, skills, and needs. But one thing the students have in common is a patient, caring teacher who brings her educational expertise and experience to help each student reach major developmental milestones. The students use puzzles, books, letters, numbers, colors, patterns, shapes, scissors, music, and movement to develop social, cognitive, and emotional skills and community connections.

"Many of our students are with us for more than one year," Lyons says. "We have the opportunity to witness very dependent learners evolve into independent learners and role models to the younger students. The beauty of having a multi-age program allows for children to grow into leadership roles. This builds self-esteem and instills empathy, tolerance, and acceptance."

Lyons attended Lesley University with a major in human development and a minor in education, with a specialization in early intervention. She was hired seven years ago to launch, coordinate, and teach the Integrated Preschool program. "That first year there were five students in the morning class and four in the afternoon class," Lyons says. "The students had very personalized attention since the class was so small. We had new furniture and new toys. Their eyes lit up when they walked into the classroom for the first time and saw the bright and cheerful classroom fully outfitted with furniture that was just their size and brand new games and toys just waiting to be explored."

Growing up, Lyons always wanted to be either a special educator or an archaeologist. "Although very different professions, they share a characteristic which make both careers somewhat unique, and this is discovery," Lyons says. "I approach each student as an individual with needs and experiences like no other. Working with children on a daily basis allows us to better understand personality traits, learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses. If an educator understands the whole child, it allows us to truly reach and connect with each student. This understanding contributes to teaching the whole child and allows for individualization."

Lyons is proud of the way the pre-K program evolved into one Harvard can be proud of because it is making a difference in the lives of the pre-K students. The program lays the foundational skills necessary for lifelong learning and maintains the support and friendships with the preschool parents. "The HES pre-K staff and specialists are second to none," she says, "and I am very proud to be a part of such a professional and compassionate team."

Lyons and her husband have been married for 28 years and have three daughters, ages 17, 19, and 21, who are pursuing their education in the medical field. They also have two Chihuahuas named Coco and Chanel and a stepson and granddaughter.

Lyons comes from a very close immediate family and larger extended family. Her parents taught by example and instilled compassion and faith in her as a young child. "I think that these character traits have allowed me to build a rapport and to truly connect with each of my students. My great aunt was a kindergarten teacher back in the day when a classroom of 30 was typical," she says. "She taught in an economically depressed neighborhood in a New Jersey city. She made a difference in so many lives. When I am having a difficult day, I often ask myself what would Aunt Amy do? This reflection always puts things in perspective and gives me the encouragement to think outside the box and to persevere."

The most rewarding part of her job is watching her students succeed. "One of the biggest gifts my students give me is perspective," she says. "Each day they remind me how important it is to be a kid, preserve innocence, remain optimistic, and to love unconditionally."

In her spare time, Lyons loves to spend time with her family and friends. She especially looks forward to the beach and the slower pace in the summer. She meets monthly with a group of seven friends from her 1980 Acton-Boxborough graduating class. "Some of us have been friends since junior high. Friendships are very important to me," she says. "Many of my friends have made an everlasting impression on me, as have my students."

Suzanne Mahoney is the interim principal of Hildreth Elementary School.