Soul of 78- Stephanie Burnam
Preschool Director, Jasper First Methodist Church
Words by Linley Allred| Image by Justin Hunter
“I just fell into this job. I had never really thought about working with kids,” laughs Stephanie Burnam, Director of the Preschool at First Methodist Church in Jasper. But now, she couldn't imagine not working with kids.
Born in Hale County, Alabama, Stephanie moved to Walker County in 2007. Before relocating to Jasper, her professional background was primarily in doctors’ offices as a receptionist and in medical records.
“When we moved, we had no help with childcare because our families were not based in Walker County, so I enrolled our son, Jamie, in the preschool at First Methodist two days a week. About a year later, they asked if I wanted to start substitute teaching. By 2009, I wasworking full-time, and I have now taught every class except the two-year-olds,” she says.
When Stephanie first enrolled her son, the preschool was much smaller, with only one class per age group. She recalls a period of transition that ultimately helped shape the program into what it is today.
“There had been changes in leadership, and when Tamara Matthews became the church’s Children’s Director, she just took it to a new level. To where it is today, with a waiting list.”
Stephanie credits Matthews with having a lasting influence on both the program and her leadership approach.
“Tamara taught me to come to work every day with a positive attitude. If things are hard, always look for a silver lining. She also taught me what I am capable of and to always dance with the kids, no matter how silly I feel, because they won’t judge me. Tamara didn’t teach me this stuff by telling me; she taught me by showing me. She may lose track of time and her car keys, but she never forgets to show love to everyone she sees,” Stephanie smiles.
While the preschool is filled with play and laughter, structure is a key part of each day. Children learn how to share, work well with others, and follow rules. Each classroom has two teachers, and smaller class sizes allow for individual attention.
Over the years, Stephanie has developed a fondness for many aspects of the program. “I like all the programs and holiday celebrations, but my favorite is the Christmas program when our four-year-old class performs songs with the bells. And they also do ‘Silent Night’ in sign language,” she says.
She also especially enjoys the stage when children begin to show their unique personalities and interests. Some moments, however, are harder than others.
“Graduation is terrible,” Stephanie laughs. “I have never been able to speak at the ceremony because I get so emotional. The slideshow gets me every year.”
Stephanie speaks with deep appreciation for her coworkers and the team that supports the preschool each day. “When you have a good team, even bad days are good days. To be able to go to work and feel joy in the kids and my coworkers is special. Our teachers are heroes. They come to work, put their whole heart into their jobs, and love these children more than I can describe. I come to work every day and ask myself how I can make their job easier because they deserve it.”
She also expresses gratitude for the leadership and support of First Methodist Church, including Pastor James Johnson, current Children’s Director Shannon Day, and the congregation as a whole. “They support the preschool to the fullest, and we are thankful they make this job possible.”
Much of Stephanie’s work happens behind the scenes, in small moments that rarely draw attention such as a reassuring word to a nervous child, a steady presence for a teacher on a hard day, or a joyful dance on the classroom floor. She does not seek recognition for it, but the impact is evident in the confidence of the children, the strength of the team she leads, and the sense of care that defines the preschool. Through a willingness to show up every day with her whole heart, she continues to shape a place where both children and teachers can thrive. 78