Senior spotlight: An Interview with Mrs. Ei

Preschool teacher Bonnie Ei shares her teaching experiences, valuable advice, and more!

At 72, with 44 years of experience, Bonnie Ei is a dedicated preschool teacher who has spent her entire career shaping the lives of young children. For over four decades, she has worked with 4 and 5 year olds, fostering their growth, nurturing their curiosity, and creating a classroom environment where love and respect go hand in hand.

Bonnie’s career has been filled with passion from start to finish. Having taught preschool for nearly half a century, she has witnessed firsthand the joy- and challenges- that come with helping children take their first steps into formal education. From the very beginning, she knew her calling was to help the young learners. Over the years, Mrs. Ei has become a cornerstone of every school she has worked at, beloved not just by students but by families and colleagues alike. With her combination of gentle kindness and fierce dedication, Mrs. Ei brings a warm, dynamic energy to her classroom. 

While every profession has its ups and downs, Bonnie finds her greatest reward in the moments of connection with her students. When asked about the most rewarding moments of teaching, she says this: “Having a child say, ‘I love you!’” For Mrs. Ei, those words carry the weight of a lifetime. In the classroom, the relationships she builds with her students are a constant reminder of the impact she can have on a child’s life. Each day brings a new opportunity for learning and growth, but those moments of pure affection are priceless to her. 

Over the years, Bonnie has seen many changes in the world of education. One shift that stands out is the growing influence of technology. "Technology, for sure!" she exclaims when asked about any changes in the behavior or thoughts of the children she teaches over the years. She acknowledges that while technology can be a powerful learning tool, it also presents challenges, especially when it comes to managing children's attention and behavior. Mrs. Ei also accredits this shift to observed shifts in parenting styles. "Some parenting has changed, and their children feel they are in charge of everything," she shares. She believes that children today are less likely to be held accountable for their actions, and this lack of responsibility can carry over into their school behavior. For Bonnie, instilling the importance of making choices—good or bad—and being held accountable is key to helping children develop into responsible individuals.

Though Mrs. Ei has spent decades imparting knowledge on young minds, she emphasizes that it is a two way street, and that her children have taught her valuable life lessons. One of the most important lessons she has learned is the power of listening. “Always listen to them,” she says. “All they needed was a hug and to know you cared about them.” Sometimes, Bonnie explains, the best way to help a child is not with words, but by offering a listening ear and a comforting embrace.

Throughout her 72 years of life, Bonnie has gained invaluable insights, and one of the lessons she holds dear is the power of positivity and gratitude. “To be positive, no matter what happens in life, look for the best and be grateful,” she says when asked about the most important thing she’s learned about life. Life, with all its ups and downs, can sometimes feel overwhelming, but Bonnie believes that maintaining a positive outlook, no matter the circumstances, makes all the difference. Gratitude, she adds, plays a crucial role in this way of thinking. By focusing on what we have rather than what we lack, we can find peace and strength even in the most challenging times.

Bonnie also has thoughts on what younger generations can learn from their elders. When I posed this question, she said: “To have a strong work ethic, and to be the best version of yourself!” With the world constantly changing, Bonnie believes it’s essential for young people to embrace hard work and dedication, just as previous generations have done. She sees this work ethic as a foundation for success and personal growth.

At 72, Bonnie continues to inspire and shape young lives. Her story is a testament to the timeless power of teaching and the profound impact a dedicated educator can have on the future. With each "I love you" she hears, Mrs. Ei is reminded that the heart of education lies in the connections we make with others.