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Open House Saturday 9/12 10:30- Noon
Karen Beck, Director and Teacher - 24 years with UHP
I truly have the very best job ever. I'm here to see potential. I'm here to nurture and teach kids how to grow through play. Our children here today are the most important people I know. They are our future. I look forward to helping them grow!
When I go to work each day, I get to read a story to a scientist, architect, and attorney. I help a Supreme Court Justice learn the alphabet. I teach an engineer and entomologist to write their name. I show a doctor and nurse how to zip up their coat. I introduce an explorer to the wonders of the natural world. But most importantly, I help children develop social-emotional skills so they can manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and show empathy and understanding. Through play, I gently guide the children to learn social skills by role-playing, problem solving, cooperating and communicating.
Through play, I use our time, space, friendships and tools/toys to build a sound framework. On this foundation, I help the children explore, create, question and connect. I setup a dynamic yet gentle learning community and classroom that encourage self-discovery, hands-on manipulation of materials, and activities that are meaningful and appropriate for young children that promote development of skills in all areas. This environment is conducive to building a strong self-concept and positive introduction to lifelong learning.
Preschoolers are very important. They are our future. I look forward to helping them grow through play!
More about me: I love gardening, insects, and exploring the great outdoors. I am a backyard beekeeper and have Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches in the classroom. I enjoy sharing my passion for insects, nature, science, math, and building with the kids! Plus, I love singing, dancing, cooking and doing process art and science as well as hands on projects with the preschoolers.
Also, I have been sea kayak camping on Lake Superior in the Apostle Islands, WI and tent camping in the Porcupine Mountains, MI for decades! This year, I explored Nipigon, Ontario, Canada side of Lake Superior. It was beautiful! I am excited to go back next summer!
Addie Thomas - Lunch Bunch & Afternoon Teacher
Hello! My name is Addie, and this will be my first year working with UHP. I am a sophomore at UW Madison earning a bachelors in education and psychology. I am from Green Bay, Wisconsin and worked as a childcare provider at Stepping Stones Childcare for two and a half years so I am excited to take this next step and to meet you and your children this year and see how they learn and grow. In my free time I enjoy hiking, swimming, and crocheting or doing other hands-on activities, and spending as much time with my family as I can. Pictured is me and my mom at her best friend's wedding this past spring.
Scarlett Tobar - Lunch Bunch & Afternoon Teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Scarlett and I’m from Chicago, Illinois. This is my first year working with UHP so I am ecstatic! I am currently a sophomore at UW Madison getting my bachelor's degree in neurobiology, as well as human development and family studies. I have been working with kids in hospitals and non-profit communities for the past 3 years so I am so excited to work at UHP and meet everyone! In my free time I love to bake treats, read on my kindle and try new foods with my family and friends. The picture I have posted is of my family and I getting ready to watch a soccer game.
Carolyn Morales - All Time Substitute Teacher
Introducing Carolyn Morales! Carolyn and her family recently moved to Madison from Cincinnati. She is a social worker by training and has three children ages 4, 7, and 10. She loves hiking, exploring the garden, and learning about all the fun things Madison has to offer! Let’s give Carolyn a big welcome!
Avery Morford - 2026 Summer Camp Teacher- Year 1 with UHP - All Time Sub
Avery is excited to join our Summer Camp Teaching team. Her background in education, hands-on experience working with young children, and strong belief in play-based, student-centered learning, makes her the perfect person to contribute to our dynamic and nurturing learning community.
She has experience as a recreational camp program leader for 15–20 4K students; planning and facilitating engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that supported children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth. She created a structured yet flexible environment where children were encouraged to explore, create, and build relationships through play—an approach that closely aligns with UHP’s philosophy.
In addition, her practicum experience in school settings has allowed her to support students with diverse learning needs, including ADHD, autism, OCD, and dyslexia. That strengthened her ability to adapt activities, provide individualized support, and create an inclusive environment where all children feel safe, valued, and capable of success. Through her time at her college she has over 120 hours of experience in grades ranging from 4k - 12th grade.
Avery is especially drawn to UHP Parent Cooperative’s emphasis on child-initiated learning, outdoor exploration, and strong family partnerships. She values the role of community in education and appreciates UHP’s commitment to involving families as active participants in the learning process. Avery is eager to contribute to a classroom environment that encourages curiosity, independence, and meaningful connections.
Avery welcomes the opportunity to bring her enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication to UHP’s summer camp and looks forward to contributing to our team.
We look forward to a Avery joining our teaching team!
Renee Deschard - On Unpaid Sabbatical - Former Board President and Substitute Teacher - 3 years with UHP
Renee has two children who attend UHP and also was the President of the UHP Board. Renee was a public school librarian for 8 years in Wisconsin and is looking forward to working with children again (and reading fun stories!). Her favorite past times are dancing, listening to music, singing and playing tennis. Her favorite children's book author is Mo Willems.
Through play and healthy adult-child connections, we are building a strong foundation and guiding children to explore, create, question and connect.
Supporting a thriving community and fostering a growth mindset, we are choosing kindness and connection everyday!
Our dynamic, yet gentle learning community encourages self-discovery, hands on manipulation of materials, and activities that are meaningful and appropriate for young children. Be curious! Give it a try!
Shape and impact future generations of leaders, thinkers, and problem-solvers. We are seeking passionate individuals to design and lead fun, play, and nature based educational activities to equip preschoolers with skills for the future.
Our teachers are the heart of UHP. The work we do together as a team betters the lives of the children and families we serve. If you love children, play-based, nature, and kindness curriculum as well as being outside, please consider applying. We look forward to hearing from you with a letter of interest and resume emailed to kmbeck@uhpparentcooperative.org.
Here is the job description:
UHP Preschool Teacher 2026-27 Academic Year -
Part time (Build your own schedule):
8:15am – 1pm, 1 - 5 days, (4-20 hrs/week)
11:30am – 1pm, 1 - 5 days/week, MTWRF (1.5-7.5 hours/week) Lunch Bunch
Full time:
8:15am – 1pm, 5 days, (20 hrs/week)
12:15pm – 4pm, 5 days, (20 hrs/week)
Pay range is $15 - 25 per hour depending on experience.
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