My name is Bonita Sears although I prefer Bonnie.  I began my journey in early childhood as an instructor at Polaris Adult Education Center for their Creative Play classes and Play Gym classes in the mid 90’s.  I enjoyed the children and their families and this motivated me to return to college to earn an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education.  I am an active member of St. Paul Lutheran church in Berea and have served as their Sunday School Superintendent and Christian Education Director.  I received my degree in Early Childhood education in 2003.  I have taught in a variety of preschool and daycare settings, including Little Acorn Daycare, Mt. Calvary Lutheran Nursery School, Growing in Faith Early Childhood Center, and as administrator at Happy Hills daycare. 

 I am happy to have an opportunity to begin a new program at Grace Lutheran Church and return to the classroom as lead teacher and administrator.  I enjoy many aspects of being an administrator, but my greatest joy comes from the daily interactions with the children.  I derive great joy in helping a child discover the wonder of learning. I believe a love of learning and the joy of discovery are keys to future success in school and life.  As a life long learner, I continue to grow in my understanding of early childhood education.  After graduation from Cuyahoga Community College, I finished a series of course work which took a more in-depth look at building a solid foundation for reading and writing in young children from birth to five.  These college courses helped me grow as a teacher and changed my outlook and approach to literacy in the early childhood classroom.  As a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, I am continually seeking to learn more about early childhood development and teaching young children through play and self-initiated learning. 

I am married and have three adult children. I enjoy walking with my husband Joe and our two dogs.  We enjoy riding our tandem bicycle on the towpath and through our wonderful metro parks.  I love nature, animals and the outdoors and I believe I bring a great deal of that joy to the classroom. I love sharing Christ’s love with the children and believe in making a "joyful noise unto the Lord".  My hobbies include Bible Study, reading and photography.