Meet the Author, Jean McNeil
At Exceed, our dedication to fostering a robust foundation for lifelong learning is deeply ingrained in our philosophy and offerings. Understanding the critical role of early childhood education in holistic development, we've designed a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that is both thorough and accessible. Our founders, Jean B. McNeil and Jean P. Copeland, have meticulously tailored Exceed to serve the diverse needs of administrators, directors, teachers, parents, and—most importantly—the children themselves.
A Journey of Dedication and Passion:
Jean's career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the field of early childhood education. With a career spanning over 30 years, she has not only taught preschool-aged children but has also learned from them, embracing the wonder, curiosity, and pure potential that every child brings into the classroom. This reciprocal learning experience has been the cornerstone of her educational philosophy and the driving force behind her professional endeavors.
Collaboration and Innovation:
In partnership with Jean Copeland, Jean McNeil has crafted the Exceed preschool curriculum—a reflection of their shared vision for an organized, accessible, and impactful early learning experience. Their collaboration has yielded a curriculum that is not only well-structured and easy to navigate but also one that teachers can quickly adapt and implement, ensuring that the focus remains on what truly matters: enriching the lives of children.
Advocacy for Excellence:
Jean McNeil stands as a tireless advocate for high-quality early childhood education programs. She believes fervently that every child deserves the opportunity to be prepared for their future, to explore their innate potential, and to exceed the expectations set before them. Her work, through both the Exceed curriculum and JMcNeil Inc., embodies this belief, striving to set a benchmark for excellence in early childhood education.
A Lifelong Educational Professional:
Jean's journey is not just one of professional achievement but also of personal passion. A lifelong educational professional, her name has become synonymous with integrity, innovation, and inspiration in the field. Through her work, Jean McNeil continues to advocate for educational environments that nurture, challenge, and respect the potential within each child.
Join us in celebrating the vision, dedication, and impact of Jean McNeil—a beacon of light in the world of early childhood education. Her legacy is one of empowerment, excellence, and the endless possibilities that can be unlocked through a quality early learning experience.
Honorable Mention, Jean Copeland
We proudly acknowledge Ms. Jean P. Copeland for her remarkable contributions to education and her unwavering commitment to developing young minds. A former elementary school teacher, Supervisor of Elementary Education and Reading, and an esteemed adjunct professor at prestigious institutions including the College of William and Mary, the University of Virginia, and Virginia Commonwealth University, Ms. Copeland’s career is a testament to her dedication to fostering academic excellence.
As Chairperson of the Chesterfield County School Board, she played a pivotal role in leading a public school system renowned for its excellence during a period of rapid growth in the community. Her vision, wisdom, and experience were crucial in shaping educational policies and practices that benefitted countless students and educators alike.
In the early 1980s, Ms. Copeland founded The Copeland Schools, pioneering pre-school environments focused on child development and holistic education. Her lifelong pursuit of educational innovation led to the co-authorship of the Exceed Preschool Curriculums with her longtime colleague Jean B. McNeil. Together, they established a comprehensive, research-based curriculum at Exceed that is not only thorough and accessible, but also deeply attuned to the diverse needs of children, educators, and families.
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At Exceed, we are committed to continuing Ms. Copeland’s legacy of nurturing a robust foundation for lifelong learning. Her profound impact on early childhood education continues to inspire our philosophy and offerings, ensuring that the highest standards of educational excellence remain at the forefront of everything we do.