Experienced Preschool & Kindergarten TEACHERS
First School is home to a tight-knit community of preschool and kindergarten teachers in Dayton, Ohio. Get to know every member of our staff by reading a few words they've each prepared about themselves below.

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Julie Wright
Three-Year-Olds
Hello, my name is Julie Wright, and I am a graduate of Miami University in Oxford. I will be teaching a three-year-old class this year. I love watching the kids learn and grow throughout the year. Each class is a new adventure, and I’m thrilled to be here.
My three children and husband also attended First School. So we are a 100% First School Family! My oldest son just turned 25 and lived in Orlando, FL. My middle son is 22 and works in the Centerville area, and my daughter is 17 and a senior at Dayton Christian. We love to travel and especially enjoy going out west. I love to read and also enjoy scrapbooking when I get the time. I enjoy a good cup of coffee, playing with my four labs, and spending time with my family. Thank you for letting me be a part of this special time in your child’s life. I’m looking forward to a great year.
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Tracey Kershner
Four-Year-Olds/Kindergarten
Hi, I’m Tracey Kershner, and I will be teaching 4-year-olds and kindergarten. I have loved working with children since high school. I decided to make my career in teaching and received my teaching degree from Ohio University. Before coming to First School, I taught at Miami University Middletown’s preschool and also for Head Start in Dayton.
I live in Miamisburg, and I’m married to Jeff, who works for AES (formerly DP&L). We have two children – Jake, who lives with his wife Becca in Toledo, and Erin, who is married to Matt and made us grandparents to Lucy back in the spring! We share our home with Tuxedo, our 80-lb lapdog. In my spare time, I read voraciously, garden, hike, and do a little crafting.
I’m looking forward to a great year!
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Stacey Yarger
Director of Operations / Admissions
Hi, my name is Stacey Yarger, and I am the Director of Operations and Admissions at First School. I have a B.A. from Northwestern University and am originally from the Chicago area.
I have lived in Dayton for 40 years with my native Daytonian husband of 40 years. We have three grown daughters and two sons-in-law, and two grandsons. My oldest daughter is 36 and lives in Northern California with one of my grandsons and is an organic farmer, fashion designer, astrologer, and a grad student in clinical psychology. My middle daughter is 32 and lives in Chicago with her husband and my other grandson. She works for McKinsey and Company, and my son-in-law works for Slalom. My youngest daughter is 27 and is a grad student at Indiana University studying Information Science.
I have been a member of the First School team for 12 ½ years, and it has been so rewarding for me professionally and personally. In my free time, I like to renovate houses and re-sell them. I also enjoy cooking and reading, and discovering new restaurants in the area.
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SHAYNA SCHROEDER
Director of Curriculum/Four-Year-Olds
Hello, my name is Shayna Schroeder, and this is my seventh year as Director of Curriculum, as well as one of the MWF morning four-year-old teachers and afternoon MWF enrichment teachers. I am excited to be at First School this year and am looking forward to getting to know all of our families. I love to see the children’s eyes light up when they are telling a story or relating a concept to something we are learning. The children make me smile every day.
My husband and our three boys live in Springboro and are involved in many activities with them, including Boy Scouts, travel hockey, and golf. I have my B.S. in elementary education from Wright State University and was a preschool director for many years in Springboro. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and doing craft projects. Please stop in and visit me in my office any time you are at school!
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Kate Miller
Young 5s
My name is Kate Miller. Over the past several years, I have taught 4-year-old preschool at First School. This year, I got the privilege of teaching Young 5s. When I am not teaching, you can find me at a high school band concert, driving two of my kids around town to their sports and club meetings, or visiting my oldest at U.C.
I have a degree in Early Childhood/Pre-K education from Bowling Green State University. On those days when I am home, I walk my two dogs or read. I look forward to helping your child learn and grow.
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Liz Brill
Learn With Me
This is my first year teaching at First School! I taught kindergarten and then first grade for a combined seven years, but what gives me the best qualification to teach preschool is being a mother to Daniel (2nd grade at Incarnation), Molly, and Thomas (both current First School students).
Both my husband and I grew up in the Dayton area and attended UD. We currently live in Centerville and enjoy golfing, bike riding, and playing outside as a family. Our dog loves our daily walks as a family, too!
You’ll find me in the Learn With Me classroom on Friday mornings this year!
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Erin Lehrian
T/TH AM 3’s
Hello! My name is Erin Lehrian, and this is my first year teaching at First School. I have my Bachelor’s in early childhood education from Miami University and a background in special education. Although this is my first time working as the lead teacher, I have been involved at First School for over a decade as a volunteer, substitute teacher, and working the summer camps!
I am very excited to be teaching three-year-olds on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and I look forward to getting to know you! I live at home with my husband, our 7-month-old daughter, and our two dogs. I love reading stories with my daughter, watching movies with my husband, and getting together with my family. I hope we have a great year!
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Megan Lucente
MWF Assistant
Hi, my name is Megan Lucente, and I am a first-year Teacher's Assistant. You may recognize me from last school year when I volunteered during AM drop-off. This is my daughter's fourth year at First School. I was born and raised in Kentucky and attended the University of Kentucky as an undergrad. I moved to Ohio when my husband, Dominic, graduated from UC and accepted a position in Springboro as a Civil Engineer. We now live in Centerville with our Daughter, Lucy, and various wild animals that love our wooded backyard. If I'm not at school, you can find me at several different dance practices, bluegrass/folk concerts, and watching the Bengals, UK, and against my will, Buckeye games. I also love to restore random furniture I find to keep or sell. Antiquing is another favorite past-time of mine.
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JEAN LARSON
Assistant
Hi, I’m Jean Larson, and this is my 14th year as an assistant at First School. It is my 4th year doing Lunch bunch. My husband, Michael, and I have three sons and a sweet daughter-in-law. I love kids and people and always find them interesting. To relax, I love to read, scrapbook, exercise, and watch the Cubs!
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Ann Merrill
Teacher's Aide / Dance Teacher
My name is Ann Merrill, and I am officially retired after 24 years of teaching 4-year-olds at First School. Bur First School is a hard place to leave, so I happily returned as the dance teacher and later as a teacher assistant. Being able to spend the day with your children is a highlight of each week.
I graduated from Wright State University with a B.S. in Sociology and later from Indiana University with an M.S. in Education. My professional career included working at several universities in varied capacities, six years at WPAFB, 12 years as a scientific proofreader, teaching several forms of dance, and operating my own small landscape company. But by far, the most joy came from teaching children. For many years, I have been a volunteer in the community and served on several local boards, including 22 years with The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. During that time, my attention was focused on SunWatch's archaeological park. As a certified master naturalist and a recently nationally certified interpretive guide, I have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with 5RiversMetropark, leading public programs, school and Scout groups, and conservation kids programs. My love of nature is nourished regularly with these activities and additionally by living in our home in the woods.
My husband of almost 45 years is retired from his position with Montgomery County but works part-time. We are parents of two children, both of whom graduated from First School. Our son, Griffin, is currently serving as a Major in the United States Army. He and his wife, Melissa, have three children: Ryan (14), Leah (10), and Hattie Mae (4). Hannah, our daughter, and her husband, David, live in Columbus. She is a Human Resources manager for Abercrombie & Fitch. They are the parents of 4-year-old Cooper and one-month-old Poppy Jane. My favorite things are Starbucks tea, pizza, the color orange, spending time with family, hiking, ballet and tap, squash soup from Panera, boots, hats, being outdoors, and, of course, First School.
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Michelle Meadows
M-F AM 4’s
Hello! My name is Michelle Meadows, and this is my 6th year teaching at First School, and I love it! I am teaching four-year-olds Monday through Friday. I’m very excited to get to know you this year.
My husband and I have two daughters, and we live in Bellbrook. We are involved in many things, including lacrosse, volleyball, theater, and running. My family and I love to play board games. We have two dogs that we love to spoil.
I have a Bachelor of Science in childhood education from the University of Houston. I enjoy cooking, doing crafts, working in my yard, and running.
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Kate Beck
Teacher/ Four-Year-Olds
Hello, my name is Kate Beck, and I am thrilled to be teaching Pre-K 4’s at First School this year. I graduated from the University of Dayton (Go Flyers!) with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and have several years experience in elementary education. I’m also a familiar face as my oldest son Henry, now 8 years old, attended First School and my youngest son, Cooper, is a current student.
I love being able to experience a child’s joy of discovery firsthand, as each day brings something new. I also love the support from the FS parents as we collectively work as a team for our students success.
My husband and our two boys live in Centerville and are involved in many sport activities as well as our school and church community. When I’m not at school, you can find me reading a good book, traveling, or cheering on my Dayton Flyers!
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Nicole James
MWF AM Teachers Aide
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Jen Lubbers
Director of Social Media
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Employment
First School encourages lifelong learning for students, families, and staff. It is a warm and joyful place to enrich the lives of young people. We are now accepting applications for part-time preschool teachers. Email resumes and cover letters to info@firstschooldayton.com today.
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