Staff at Azalea Gardens Preschool
I am the owner and teacher for Azalea Gardens Preschool. My name is Briana Dickson, I am a mother of 5, and I have over 5 years of teaching experience.
My Education
I received my Associates Degree in June of 2012. I took several years off to be a mother and work, while my education sat on the back burner. I returned to school in 2018 and graduated from Oregon State University with my Bachelors Degree in June of 2019. I obtained my Masters in Education in May of 2022.
In April-June of 2024, I took all the required courses to be a Registered Family Childcare in the state of Oregon.
My Experience
I started my teaching journey at Sunnyslope Elementary in Roseburg, Oregon as a Kindergarten teacher in 2019. During Covid, I also transitioned to an online teacher of these kindergarteners; boy was that a challenge! I later taught at Hucrest Elementary, also teaching Kindergarten. I was a substitute teacher during my 4th pregnancy as this was easier than taking a regular teaching position and then needing to take maternity leave. I also taught online during my 5th pregnancy, again, to avoid maternity leave battles. I then went back to Sunnyslope in 2023, but this time teaching 2nd grade.
My "Why"
I am very passionate about teaching children and getting to watch them grow in all aspects; emotionally, socially, and academically. It really is a wonderful thing to watch their little minds figure this world out and learn how to be a person!
Since moving to Azalea and having space to do this in our new home, my husband and I embraced this chapter of our life. Not only can I be home and educate our own children, but I can also offer a safe, healthy, and educational experience to other children in this area.
