News

What led you to become a Montessori Teacher, and how long have you been at Springmont? In 2005, when my now 19-year-old niece was about 3, I was enamored by her spirit and curiosity and fell in love with that age.  I was in the middle of a career change and began to wonder if working with preschool children was the next path to explore. I was hired to be an assistant at a Montessori school and was immediately in awe of Montessori education and how it followed the child while creating a love for learning. I never looked back! I took the training 2 years later and have been a lead guide ever since. 

Tell us one way you help new children feel welcomed into your community of learners? Welcoming a new child into your community is so special. As a guide, observing carefully and taking note of any hesitations or uncertainties that may or may not be present is key. I think one of the most important things you can do when a new child enters your community is to create a bond and a trust. When a child feels safe, respected and seen as an individual, he/she is much more open to the guidance of the teachers and usually proceeds with joy and confidence.

What is a special interest you bring into the classroom? I have a theatre background, so I love to sing and act. I often will sing a child’s name in order to get his/her attention. I love to turn lessons, or any phrase, quite frankly, into songs. I think the children really enjoy it and it certainly helps with memorization! I also have a great love for animals and often tell stories about my own pets. The children love to hear stories about our dogs!