Schoolyard Podcast host Nancy Chung speaks with special guests Loreal Hemenway and Stephanie Osmundson, the educators behind Happily Ever Elementary. These creative educators find ways to create colorful, lively, engaging spaces that allow students to feel safe and inspired but are also functional and organized for the teacher.
Loreal and Stephanie are passionate about setting a positive tone for back to school, and they understand the significance of creating an inviting and inclusive classroom environment. They achieve this by staying organized and incorporating bright colors into their space.
They’ve learned that it’s essential for new teachers to start small and not put pressure on themselves to have an Instagram or Pinterest-worthy classroom from day one. Instead, they emphasize the importance of a space that encourages effective and honest communication.
Loreal and Stephanie believe in providing a safe space for all types of learners, where everyone feels comfortable taking risks and making mistakes. They understand that success can still be achieved even in the face of setbacks.
Their dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive classroom environment is truly inspiring. By prioritizing communication, organization, and a positive atmosphere, Loreal and Stephanie are making a lasting impact on their student’s educational journeys.
Stephanie Osmundson and Loreal Hemenway are two Las Vegas art teachers and the creators behind Happily Ever Elementary. The best of friends for over twelve years and teaching together for nearly eight, Happily Ever Elementary started as a simple social media page to share classroom ideas with other teachers online. Now their social media has well over 150 thousand followers combined!
