Teachstone’s mission is to ensure that every child has access to life-changing teachers. We also believe that every educator deserves career-changing professional learning experiences. This is why we’re excited to offer the InterAct CLASS Summit Scholarship program.
Shayla Wright
Shayla Wright, is a Head Start Coach with over 13 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She holds a Master’s Degree in Infant Mental Health from Arizona State University and an Undergraduate Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Bowling Green State University. In her current role at Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C) in Louisville, Kentucky, Shayla is crucial in supporting Head Start Educators in their early childhood classrooms.
As a Head Start Coach, Shayla delivers on-site coaching to educators, ensuring the comprehensive implementation of the Head Start program’s early learning system and adherence to policies. She excels in providing ongoing coaching, collaborating with educators to implement program curriculum consistently, and supporting the creation of Reggio-inspired environments for children’s growth.
Shayla’s effectiveness as a coach is evident in her key competencies, including building respectful relationships, effective communication, developmentally appropriate interactions, and a commitment to continuous learning. Responsible for achieving key outcomes in the Head Start/Early Head Start Program, Shayla’s passion for early learning is showcased through her dedication to enriching young minds. Recently selected as the Coach with CLASS Scholarship Recipient, Shayla looks forward to continuing her positive impact on educators, children, and their families through her commitment to Early Childhood Education.
Toylene Harris
Hello! My name is Toylene Harris. I am the Education Coach Specialist for EOA Head Start in
Savannah, GA. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from UNCW and have worked with
children as a teacher for the last 17 years! My husband is a retired United States Marine, and because of
that, I have been able to experience the beauty of education around the world. I have worked as a
teacher to infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children and as a second- and third-grade teacher. I
utilize my wide-ranged experience to assist the teachers in our Early Head Start/Head Start program with
classroom alignment from lesson planning and instruction to behavior management and classroom set–
up. Although I am new to the CLASS journey, its positive impact on our program at EOA is very clear. I am excited to expand my “teacher toolkit” with the knowledge that the InterAct Summit will provide. I look forward to helping the teachers in our organization find confidence and power in knowing how to guide our children to a great academic start!
Cecilia Pettye
Cecilia Pettye is a Center Director with more than a decade of experience in child
development. She entered the field because she witnessed many young children fall
through the cracks. She realized the importance of excellent instructors in Early
Childhood Development and the role they can play in the most informative years of life.
Cecilia has received certification in CLASS training for infants and toddlers, developed
lesson plans using the PITC philosophy, and Conducted training in CACFP, DRDP, and
ITERS. Cecilia uses her training and experience as a constant motivation for change
and development in the field. Although she can work independently, she realizes that
change can not just happen with her alone. She often seeks guidance and feedback
from colleagues that share similar philosophies.
Cecilia is a powerful force in the workplace and uses her knowledge and tireless energy
to encourage others to work hard and continue with personal growth. She currently
works at Children of the Rainbow, Inc. in San Diego, CA.