Hi! My name is JoAnn Munoz Escobedo, but you can call me Jo.

I was born and raised in San Jose, California. Ever since I was a child, I loved playing “school”—and I was always the teacher! That early passion for teaching has stayed with me throughout my life. I truly enjoy being around children and helping them grow, learn, and prepare for the next stage in their lives. Teaching is not just a job for me—it’s a calling. I especially love challenging children and seeing their confidence bloom.

In my free time, I enjoy relaxing with a good movie and some popcorn. I also love cooking and baking for my family, and I find peace in taking walks at the park.

About Me:

• Name: JoAnn (or Jo)

• Hometown: San Jose, California

• Child Care Experience: I have over 12 years of experience in child care, including 12 years as a Center Director. For the past 15 years, I’ve been teaching in the Pre-K classroom.

• Education: Fully Qualified Preschool Teacher

• Favorite Foods: Pizza (I have three favorites!), French fries, and pasta

• Favorite Weekend Activity: Watching movies and enjoying some quiet time

• Favorite Children’s Book: Pete the Cat series

• Primrose Character I Relate to Most: Katie the Cat—because I love talking with my students and hearing all about what’s on their minds!

What I’m most excited about this school year is being part of the Primrose team. I’m looking forward to building strong, meaningful connections with both children and their families. My goal is to meet—and exceed—the expectations of our parents and coworkers, and to make a positive impact every day.

Hi,

My name is Madhuri, and I hold a Master’s degree in Geography from Bihar University. I am continuing my education in Early Childhood Education with the goal of becoming a Master Teacher.

I believe every child learns at their own pace, and it is essential for educators to recognize and support each student’s unique strengths and needs. My goal as a teacher is to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children feel confident, supported, and excited to learn. I am deeply committed to fostering not only academic growth but also the social and emotional development of every child in my care.

As a lifelong learner, I am always eager to explore and apply new strategies that allow me to better meet the needs of my students. Being part of their learning journey brings me immense joy and fulfillment.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy hiking, practicing yoga, exploring new places, and spending quality time with family and friends. As the eldest of four siblings, I grew up with a strong sense of responsibility, which shaped my passion for helping others. I believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and cultivating meaningful relationships as key to overall happiness and well-being.

Hello! My name is Teresa J and I am proudly born and raised in East Side San Jose, where I grew up surrounded by a strong sense of community and culture. I earned my Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from De Anza College, and I have four years of experience working as an afterschool teacher with children ages 3–15, supporting both their academics and social-emotional development.

Outside of my passion for working with children, music plays a big role in my life. I enjoy playing the drums, electric guitar, bass guitar, and keyboard, and I also love to sing. When I’m not making music, you can usually find me at Barnes & Noble picking out new books to read. Growing up in a Latino household, I developed a love for traditional foods like pozole, empanadas, and especially flautas.

On the weekends, I enjoy walking my dog, shopping with my mom, baking, and playing guitar. One of my favorite children’s books is Too Many Tamales. I connect most with Erwin the Dog because of his friendly and loyal nature.

This school year, I’m most excited about creating meaningful memories, sharing laughter, and watching each child grow and develop, while continuing to grow as a teacher myself. I look forward to getting to know you and your family!

Name: Lilia Singh

Hometown: Santa Barbara CA.

Child Care Experience: I worked as a Teacher Assistant for WeeCare Preschool. After a few years, I decided to try working with older students at an elementary school in Santa Barbara County named Hollister Elementary School. I also worked part time at a high school in Goleta called Dos Pueblos High School.

Education Background: Went to High School at Dos Pueblos High school in Goleta CA. I graduated with a full college scholarship and attended Allen Hancock College in Santa Maria CA. I’m currently attending Evergreen Valley College majoring in Administration of Justice and Law Enforcement. My goal is to become a Correctional officer/ mentor / counselor and work with our youth.

Favorite Food: My favorite food is Mexican food and Indian food.

Favorite Weekend Activity: Right now my favorite weekend activities are exploring this new city (San Jose) I live in, gardening and going to the movies.

Favorite Children’s Book: My Favorite children’s book is, How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss.

Primrose Character I most relate to: The Primrose character I’m can relate to is Percy, the proud rooster- I like to provide and set good example of good character.

What I’m Most Excited About This school Year: This school year I’m excited about everything in general. Excited to just see what the students and staff have to offer to make it a great year.

I’m Mrs. Nasrin Zarkub.  I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I’ve been working with children for more than 20 years now! It’s a very rewarding job to see kids learn and grow over the years. 

I live with my husband and two children, along with our little dog named Simba.

Hometown: Iran

Education Background: I was a midwife in my country and delivered over 60 babies. After I moved to San Jose and had my kids, I decided to study Child Education and am a Fully Qualified Teacher

Favorite food: Persian, French

Favorite weekend activity: Hiking with my family and my dog

Favorite children’s book: Corduroy by Don Freeman, but I have many favorites

Primrose character I most relate to: Percy the Rooster (maybe because I collect roosters 🙂

What I’m most excited about this school year: I’m excited to get to know my new students and their families.

I am Azita Amiri, a dedicated preschool teacher with 10 years of experience in early childhood education and a strong passion for supporting young children’s growth and development. I earned my Child Development certificate from De Anza College in 2020, and in 2025 I furthered my education at Mission College by completing a course in Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education.

I was born in Ahvaz, a southern city in Iran, and raised in Tehran. My background has given me a deep appreciation for culture, diversity, and community, which I bring into my work with children and families.

I believe that early childhood is a critical stage of development. I strive to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment where every child feels valued, confident, and supported. Building strong relationships and fostering curiosity are central to my teaching approach. Story time is one of my favorite parts of the day, and I especially enjoy reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae.

In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and TV shows, painting, and staying active, I can’t imagine life without my workouts.