Teacher Education
At Sounds and Colors, we believe that nurturing educators is just as vital as nurturing children. Our schools are not only places of learning for young children—they are living, evolving communities of professional growth for teachers as well.
On the Job Training Program
We offer a robust, reflective on-the-job training program designed to support educators from day one. Grounded in our Reggio Emilia-inspired pedagogy, Spanish Immersion model, and strong image of the child, our training emphasizes intentional practices, documentation, intelligent materials, and the pedagogy of listening. Each new team member is paired with experienced mentors and guided through hands-on learning experiences that bring our philosophy to life.
A Curated Professional Learning Journey
The content of our professional development and teacher training program is curated and facilitated by Martha Rockaway, co-founder of Sounds and Colors. With over three decades of experience in the field of education—including multiple study visits to Reggio Emilia, Italy, and an M.A. in Innovation in Early Childhood Education—Martha brings unmatched depth and expertise to our professional development.
As a lifelong learner, Martha continuously incorporates the latest research-based findings in early childhood education, drawing from her ongoing participation in national and international study groups, networks of pedagogical leaders, and collaborations with colleagues and innovators across the field.
Our online training program is exclusive to Sounds and Colors educators—an evolving, proprietary system designed to align with our educational philosophy. Just as the curriculum for children is emergent and responsive, so too is our curriculum for educators. Content is thoughtfully developed in response to educators’ strengths, needs, and contexts, promoting deep reflection and sustainable growth.
Elevating the Field through
Professional Development
Professional development is central to our identity and our responsibility to the field. Beyond on-the-job training, we offer multiple in-house Professional Development Days each year, designed to inspire, challenge, and elevate the practice of all our educators.
We are proud to be DCDEE-approved trainers, and our sessions are submitted in advance to the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education for official approval. Educators gain not only rich learning experiences, but also the required in-service training hours toward their annual licensing compliance.
Led by Martha Rockaway, our sessions blend real classroom reflection with pedagogical theory and current research. Every training day is an opportunity to deepen understanding, share experiences, and grow collectively as a learning community. At Sounds and Colors, we are not just shaping classrooms—we are shaping the profession.
Internship Placement Site
We proudly serve as a cooperating site for student teachers and interns from colleges and universities across North Carolina. Interns gain firsthand experience in a Reggio Emilia-inspired, Spanish Immersion setting where they learn the values of observation, co-construction, and cultural-linguistic inclusion. Their practicum is supported by master teachers and directors who guide their integration into the life of the classroom.
T.E.A.C.H. Scholarships
Sounds and Colors actively supports educators pursuing formal education through the NC T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Program. We guide team members through the application process and offer ongoing encouragement. Whether seeking a credential, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s, our team knows that we are here to grow together—and we invest in each other’s journeys.
Growing from Within
Many of our leaders began their journeys as assistant teachers or floaters. We recognize potential and promote from within, honoring commitment, curiosity, and a passion for learning. Leadership at Sounds and Colors is not about hierarchy—it is about shared responsibility, reflection, and pedagogical integrity.
