Jennifer Romanoff Of Lightbridge Academy On 5 Things You Need To Know To Be A Highly Effective…

Jennifer Romanoff Of Lightbridge Academy On 5 Things You Need To Know To Be A Highly Effective Educator or Teacher

Embrace Individual Learning Styles: Not every child is the same, and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in education. It’s essential to understand how each child learns best — whether through visuals, hands-on activities, storytelling, or movement — and present information in a way that resonates with them. The more adaptable educators are in their teaching methods, the more effectively they can engage every student.

As a part of our interview series about “5 Things You Need To Know To Be A Highly Effective Educator”, I had the pleasure to interview Jennifer Romanoff.

Jennifer Romanoff has an MA in Early Childhood Education and has been in the field for 30 years, starting as a teacher and working her way up to where her passion lies — in training others in fun, interactive, and humorous ways. As Vice President of Education and Training for Lightbridge Academy, Jennifer also creates programming to support best practices, excellence in education, and the accreditation process. Jennifer is a Child Development Associate (CDA) instructor and the creator of various trainings on developmentally appropriate practices for teachers of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share the “backstory” behind what brought you to this particular career path?

Throughout college, I worked with 3- and 4-year-olds in early childhood education while attending school at night. I loved making a difference in the lives of young children and initially pursued a degree in elementary education, believing that was my path. After graduating, I took teaching positions in both one of the smallest and one of the largest school districts in New Jersey, starting as a basic skills instructor. I soon realized that my true passion was in early childhood education — witnessing those first steps, helping children learn to write their names, and seeing their growth firsthand. I knew that’s where I was meant to be.

I came across an ad in the newspaper for a preschool teacher position at the second location of Rainbow Academy, Lightbridge Academy’s former name, and after my interview, I received an offer for the Pre-K position before I even got home. That moment solidified my calling — working with the little ones was where my heart truly belonged. Over the years, I earned my master’s degree in early childhood education and supervision, and I’ve also experienced early education from a parent’s perspective. My daughter started at Lightbridge when she was 9 weeks old and recently graduated from college. My journey has reinforced my belief in the importance of focusing on the whole child approach, nurturing every aspect of their development rather than concentrating on just one area.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your teaching career? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Previously, we typically saw behavioral challenges in our 2 and 3-year-old classrooms, but after COVID, we noticed a shift. The children who are now 4 and 5 years old were born just before or during the pandemic, had their first year of life, and then spent a year or two at home. As a result, we saw an influx of specialists coming into our schools to support these children, and it has now become the norm to have anywhere from 8 to 12 specialists working with our oldest age groups. Despite facing a range of developmental delays — such as weakened torsos from decreased physical activity and social-emotional challenges from increased screen time while parents worked from home — our schools have continued to thrive. Achieving a 95% score on the VINE assessment, even with these challenges, is a huge testament to the dedication and skill of our teachers and the support of our parents. Seeing these results has been both emotionally rewarding and a proud moment for all of us, reaffirming our commitment to the children and their development.

Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help children?

At Lightbridge Academy, we’re proud to offer seasonal curriculum events designed to inspire creativity and support children in reaching key developmental milestones. These events provide engaging, hands-on experiences that captivate even our youngest learners by prioritizing play, ingenuity, and age-appropriate learning. Our thoughtfully designed activities encourage exploration, critical thinking, and social interaction, all while fostering a love for learning that will benefit them for years to come. I’m especially excited about our upcoming spring curriculum event, which I know the children will absolutely love as they discover new ways to learn and grow. Through these enriching experiences, we set a strong foundation for future success, ensuring that every child feels excited and empowered on their educational journey.

We’re also excited to introduce Calm Corners in our company centers, with the intent to roll it out to all centers later this year. This area of the classroom houses soft toys and comfort items. It also has visual aids that will help children to identify the emotion they are feeling, how it is manifesting itself in their bodies, and healthy, appropriate ways to deal with those body and mind feelings — such as taking a few deep breaths, hugging a stuffed animal, or reading a book. Additionally, our teachers are receiving training on how to utilize these materials with the children, along with professional development of mindfulness and breathing exercises. Teachers will learn how to incorporate these yoga and mindfulness techniques right into their daily routine so both children and staff will benefit from the program.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the main focus of our interview. From your point of view, how would you rate the results of the US early education system?

There is a critical need for evaluation, particularly in early childhood education, to ensure the long-term academic and developmental success of every child in this country. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning, especially for children ages zero to eight — a formative period when they absorb information like sponges. Different children require different learning approaches, and play-based learning remains one of the most effective ways to impart not only academic concepts but also essential life skills such as empathy, understanding, and problem-solving. It’s crucial that we assess the current state of early childhood education, typically spanning ages zero to five, and explore ways to extend its principles — especially higher-order cognitive thinking — into the early elementary years.

I would love to see a stronger push toward ensuring that kindergarten through second grade serves as a bridge between play-based learning and more structured, independent work. This period should nurture children’s ability to work both independently and collaboratively while maintaining hands-on, experiential learning opportunities.

While we may not always call it “play” at that stage, it is essential to preserve opportunities for kinesthetic learning, particularly for young children who thrive through movement and hands-on exploration. Many children are naturally kinesthetic learners, and when the opportunity for exploratory, play-based learning is abruptly cut off in elementary school, it can negatively impact brain development. Research shows that this shift can lead to a significant decrease in neural connections, potentially hindering cognitive growth.

Given what we know about early childhood development, it is clear that education must evolve to support the crucial zero-to-eight years. This period lays the foundation for not only academic success but also emotional and social well-being. By reevaluating and adapting our educational approaches, we can better support the diverse needs of young learners and set them up for long-term success.

Can you identify 5 areas of the US education system that are going really great?

1. Prioritizing Social-Emotional Well-Being and Mental Health: One of the most positive shifts in education today is the increased focus on social-emotional well-being and mental health. In light of recent tragedies, there has been a stronger commitment to addressing these issues at a much younger age. It’s encouraging to see that mental and emotional development are being recognized as equally important as academic achievement, and I hope these efforts continue to progress.
2. Advancing Inclusion: The U.S. Department of Education has made significant strides in fostering inclusion and diversity. The outdated “one-size-fits-all” approach to education is being replaced with a greater understanding that children have different learning needs. More resources are being allocated to support those who require alternative approaches or additional help, ensuring that education is more accessible and equitable for all.
3. Embracing Different Abilities: A key cultural shift is the growing acceptance that every child has unique abilities. Unlike in past decades, when additional educational support was often stigmatized, there is now a broader recognition that learning differences do not equate to disabilities or delays. This shift promotes an environment where all children — regardless of their abilities — are included, supported, and given the tools they need to succeed.
4. Teaching Cultural Appreciation and Empathy: Diversity education has taken a front seat in today’s schools, helping students develop empathy and an appreciation for different traditions, cultures, and perspectives. However, it’s crucial that diversity efforts remain inclusive of all backgrounds, ensuring that no race, religion, or culture is misrepresented or marginalized. True inclusivity means embracing every child, every culture, and every identity with respect and fairness.
5. Building Emotional Intelligence and Healthy Coping Skills: Social-emotional learning (SEL) must start early to help children develop a strong foundation for understanding their emotions, respecting differences, and navigating challenges in a healthy way. By teaching children to recognize and process their feelings constructively, we set them up for success not just in school but in life. When emotional intelligence is nurtured from a young age, it fosters resilience, empathy, and a greater sense of self-awareness.

Can you identify the 5 key areas of the US education system that should be prioritized for improvement? Can you explain why those are so critical?

1. Teaching Resilience and Coping Skills: There needs to be a stronger focus on teaching children resilience, healthy coping mechanisms, and constructive ways to debate. The current generation is not being adequately prepared to handle stress or navigate disagreements in a productive manner. Over time, the pendulum has swung from one extreme to another — Gen X had one approach, Millennials found a middle ground, and now Gen Z and younger generations are often missing key coping strategies. Strengthening these skills across all age groups would be a valuable improvement to the education system.
2. Bringing Back Practical Life Skills: For years, I’ve advocated for a greater emphasis on practical life skills — things like changing a tire, basic home repairs, and other essential blue-collar skills. These skills, once a staple in education, have largely disappeared from school curricula. While technology, AI, and automation continue to shape the job market, the demand for skilled trade workers is higher than ever. Incorporating hands-on, real-world learning into education would not only prepare students for potential careers but also help develop well-rounded individuals.
3. Preserving Arts, Libraries, and Hands-On Learning: Another concerning trend is the diminishing presence of libraries, arts, and hands-on creative experiences in schools. Many schools have eliminated dedicated spaces for these subjects, reducing them to mobile carts or classroom add-ons rather than immersive learning environments. Having access to books, art supplies, and hands-on materials fosters creativity, problem-solving, and a deeper engagement with learning. Bringing back these elements — whether through woodworking, media arts, or tactile projects — would enrich students’ educational experiences in meaningful ways.
4. Expanding Learning Approaches for Different Learners: The education system often leans heavily on linguistic learning styles, but not all children learn best this way. Some are visual-spatial learners, others are kinesthetic or mathematical thinkers. By diversifying teaching approaches and recognizing that students absorb information differently, we can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment. This shift is particularly crucial in early childhood education, where identifying and nurturing each child’s strengths can have a lasting impact on their academic and personal success.
5. Recognizing the Pivotal Role of Early Education: Everything ties back to the importance of early childhood education. The foundational years set the stage for lifelong learning, and it’s essential that children enter elementary school with an individualized approach that supports their unique strengths. By focusing on resilience, life skills, hands-on learning, and diverse teaching methods, we can create an education system that truly prepares students for both academic success and real-world challenges.

Can you please share your “5 Things You Need To Know To Be A Highly Effective Educator?”

1. Embrace Individual Learning Styles: Not every child is the same, and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in education. It’s essential to understand how each child learns best — whether through visuals, hands-on activities, storytelling, or movement — and present information in a way that resonates with them. The more adaptable educators are in their teaching methods, the more effectively they can engage every student.
2. Have Fun and Stay Creative: Teaching should be fun, both for students and educators. Using different voices, playing characters, or incorporating a classroom mascot can make lessons more engaging. Children often respond better to a playful, creative approach — sometimes listening more attentively to a puppet than to a teacher. Think back to the educators who made an impact on you and emulate their creativity. Teaching isn’t just about delivering information; it’s about creating memorable experiences that make learning exciting.
3. Understand the Long-Term Impact of Teaching: One of the realities of teaching is that you won’t always see the immediate results of your efforts. Children may recall a lesson, quote you at home, or apply what you taught them years later. Success in education often happens in unseen moments, and that’s okay. Trust that the seeds you plant today will grow over time, even if you don’t witness the full impact.
4. Prioritize Work-Life Balance: A great teacher cannot pour from an empty cup. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial — not just for personal well-being, but also for being fully present in the classroom. It’s okay to take vacations, step away from work, and recharge. While the idea of “checking your personal life at the door” isn’t always realistic, keeping personal challenges in check allows you to bring your best self to your students.
5. Commit to Lifelong Learning: Professional growth is key to becoming a better educator. Seek out conferences, collaborate with colleagues, read articles, watch educational videos — anything that broadens your knowledge and perspective. The more you expose yourself to new ideas, the better equipped you are to teach empathy, respect for diversity, and critical thinking to your students. A great teacher never stops learning.

As you know, teachers play such a huge role in shaping young lives. What would you suggest needs to be done to attract top talent to the education field?

1. I truly believe that when it comes to job satisfaction, pay is rarely among the top two or three factors in most surveys. If you want to attract top talent, you need to be a top leader — someone who understands that work is more than just clocking in and out.
2. With multiple generations now in the workforce, employees want to feel heard, valued, and utilized for their unique skills. They seek a workplace where they belong, whether that means fostering a family-like culture or establishing mentorship programs that connect experienced teachers with newer educators.
3. Ultimately, leadership is about being someone people want to follow, not someone they have to follow. A well-rounded, emotionally intelligent leader will naturally attract top educators — those looking for more than just a paycheck but a meaningful connection to their work and workplace.
4. In an industry that is predominantly female, emotional intelligence often plays a greater role in decision-making than IQ alone. When educators feel that a leader has built something special — something they want to be part of — they are drawn to it.
5. Attracting top talent isn’t just about offering the highest salary; it’s about being the kind of leader who inspires loyalty, engagement, and a shared sense of purpose. If you build a strong, supportive culture, the right people will come.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

The phrase I find myself using most often — though it may sound cliché — is everything happens for a reason. While we may not always understand why at the moment, I truly believe that in time, the reason will reveal itself. You just have to have faith that, in the end, it will all make sense and be worth it.

We are blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them 

I would choose our current sitting president — simply out of curiosity. I’d love to understand his thought process, particularly when it comes to education.

With my background in child psychology, I find myself analyzing perspectives and decisions every day, yet he remains someone I can’t quite figure out. Sitting down with him would give me the opportunity not only to hear his vision for education over the next four years but also to share insights from my own experience.

More than just listening, I’d want to engage in a meaningful conversation — offering my perspective, asking tough questions, and perhaps even making a case for a role where I could contribute on a larger scale and make a real impact on education policy.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

Readers can follow my work as the Vice President of Education and Training of Lightbridge Academy through our LinkedIn. For parents interested in learning more about Lightbridge Academy’s early child care education programs, they can visit Lightbridge Academy’s website here.

Thank you so much for these insights! This was so inspiring!

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Jennifer Romanoff Of Lightbridge Academy On 5 Things You Need To Know To Be A Highly Effective… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.