Nancy Stringer built a preschool program from scratch at Resurrection Lutheran Church of Coronado around the same time Ronald Reagan was president, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” went No. 1 in America and “M*A*S*H” went off the air.
Since then, much has changed, of course.
But her dedication and commitment to the Coronado community has not, and the preschool celebrated her 40-year milestone in Spreckels Park on Sept. 24.
Love affair to a full-fledged program
What started as a love for the wonder of preschool aged children grew into a full-fledged program serving the families of Coronado.
“I just fell in love with that age because children that age are so excited about life. They’re full of wonder. I just find them enchanting.”
-Nancy Stringer, director of Resurrection Preschool
“I just fell in love with that age because children that age are so excited about life. They’re full of wonder. I just find them enchanting,” Stringer said.
After graduating from San Diego State University in 1982 with a child development degree, Stringer looked for avenues to start her own preschool on the island, and Resurrection Lutheran Church of Coronado opened its doors.
Miss Nancy
Stringer, who is affectionately known as Miss Nancy to many, said she started teaching at a time when preschool was not as popular as it is today, implementing the timeless teaching philosophy of hands-on learning.
“You create different centers, and you put interesting things out…something to build with, something to draw with, a sensory table, books,” Stringer said. “You lay that out like a canvas and you let them find what they need to grow.”
She said the program would not be where it is today without the help of some very influential people.
Team effort
And it has been a team effort among the church, staff and loyal families, she said.
First, her mom’s influence on Stringer’s love of music, art and children is something she still takes with her into her teaching.
Second, Stringer started out doing everything—bookkeeping, taxes and teaching—but has had a team of people come alongside her over the years.
Stringer said Karin Tanaka, the mother of former Coronado Mayor and current Councilman Casey Tanaka, helped tremendously in the beginning stages and taught at the preschool for 16 years.
And, the church and community have shown immense support, specifically with the Rev. Jim Hallerberg’s support in founding the school, Stringer said.
The connection of Coronado has been a real blessing and a huge perk.”
-Nancy Stringer.
“The connection of Coronado has been a real blessing and a huge perk,” Stringer said. “In so many ways, it feels good to know everybody in the community.”
40 years, and counting
While there is going to be a big celebration, Stringer said she is not ready to quit yet.
That’s because she loves working with the kids.
“Being a preschool teacher, there’s about 20 different hats you wear,” Stringer said. “It’s not the easiest job of all time. It’s not a glamorous job, but people do it because they love kids.”
Cheryl Ford, the parish administrator at Resurrection Lutheran Church of Coronado, said the celebration was an opportunity for parents and community members to show their appreciation.
“We are so grateful for Nancy’s hard work and dedication to the preschool, her preschool staff and the children and families.”
-Cheryl Ford, parish administrator at Resurrection Lutheran Church of Coronado.
“We are so grateful for Nancy’s hard work and dedication to the preschool, her preschool staff and the children and their families,” Ford said. “Forty years of service is an incredible milestone and we want to honor her commitment and dedication.”
