In 1980, she became a day care director for eight years, six of those at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where she received her master s and doctorate degrees in education. Throughout her career, Estes kept seeking out younger students. I wanted to catch them early. The earlier good teaching begins, the more positive influence you can have . . .
Students feel that impact.
Dr. Estes makes learning fun and exciting, said Joyce Thompson, student and vice-president of the Education for Young Children Club. She shares real-life experiences in the classroom to help explain concepts . . .she makes herself very available . . . Through her mentorship of the student educator club, Estes encourages her students to give back to the community. Children are part of families. You have to consider the whole picture to effectively educate a child.