At the Primary School, music teacher Stephanie Jones Diaz creates a classroom where creativity and confidence come alive. She uses movement, storytelling, and song to spark imagination and help students see learning as an adventure. Her approach reminds children that education is about more than reaching goals; it’s about discovering who they are along the way. Each day, she nurtures confidence in their ideas and the courage to share their voices. Continue reading to learn more.
Tell us about your journey as an educator and what inspired you to teach music, movement, and storytelling at the Primary School.
I’ve been on this teaching journey for 13 years, and it’s taken me through all kinds of settings and ways of sharing music. It’s always such a joy creating with our little Raider Rock Stars! I never quite know what’s going to click with them, but seeing a story, song, or dance light them up never gets old.
How do you help our youngest students express themselves and build confidence through the arts?
Every student is unique, and expressions can look completely different from one child to the next. From the very beginning, when students try something new or challenging, I ask them to “kiss their brains”—a little way of thanking themselves for thinking and trying. I also love taking their ideas and weaving them into our performances whenever I can—it shows them that their creativity matters.
In what ways do your lessons connect music and storytelling to real-world experiences or emotions that help students learn and grow?
I choose stories and music that connect with what the students are learning or experiencing at the moment. For example, in Senior K we read Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Seuss, and they loved it so much that I brought in other Dr. Seuss books for them to enjoy. When selecting music for our concerts, I look for pieces that reflect the students’ personalities while giving them just the right amount of challenge—all while making sure they’re having fun.
What does belonging look like in your classroom, and how do you make sure every student feels seen, heard, and valued when they share or perform?
Belonging in my classroom starts with the little routines that make us feel connected. My favorite is our goodbye song, Skinnamarink. I chose it on purpose—it’s such a simple, sweet way to say, “I love you in the morning, and in the afternoon, I love you in the evening, and underneath the moon.” We sing it from the very first day of PreK all the way through Senior K. Every time, I make sure to look into each pair of eyes, so every child feels it—that no matter how smooth or bumpy their year has been, they are loved, cared for, and truly belong here at Gulliver.
Can you share a moment or project that stands out to you where your students grew, collaborated, or showed creativity in a new way?
Our winter and spring concerts always stand out to me. In the winter, I’m so proud of how hard the students work to prepare—especially since for many, it’s their first time performing in front of a big audience. By the spring concert, it’s amazing to see how much they’ve grown. I love watching them take creative risks, adding their own movements or ideas to the songs, and seeing their faces light up when they spot their families in the audience.
What do you love most about being part of the Gulliver community, and how does it influence your approach to teaching?
What I love most about being part of the Gulliver community is how genuine and supportive everyone is. You really feel like you’re part of something bigger—teachers, families, and students all working together to help kids grow into kind, confident people. That sense of belonging definitely shapes how I teach. In my classroom, I try to build that same feeling—a space where every child feels seen, valued, and excited to try new things. Knowing I’m in a community that celebrates curiosity and creativity reminds me to do the same every day with my students.
Rapid Fire:
Favorite movie or show to re-watch:
Psych—I can watch it over and over again!
Go-to song that always lifts your mood:
Everything Is Alright by Motion City Soundtrack
Dream vacation destination:
Anywhere there’s a beach and my family
Support Our Faculty:
Mrs. Stephanie Jones Diaz brings warmth and creativity to every lesson, helping our youngest learners express themselves through music, movement, and storytelling. In her classroom, students grow in confidence and discover the joy of learning through sound and rhythm. By supporting The Gulliver Fund, you help educators like Mrs. Jones Diaz continue inspiring curiosity and imagination in every child—click here to donate.
