2638 Via Caballero Del Norte
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 795-7256
info@growingupmontessori.com
About Us
Growing Up Montessori is a traditional Montessori school modeled after Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy. We provide a fun and stimulating environment for children ages 2-6. Teachers guide the children in individual and group lessons daily to help ensure that their developmental needs are being met. Children learn to express themselves, problem solve and be self-directed individuals. Teachers continually observe and update work in the classroom to encourage and support the physical, emotional and intellectual growth of each child. Montessori is a self-directed program that encourages independence and the love of learning.
Goals Of A Montessori Classroom
- Order
- Coordination
- Concentration
- Independence
The teacher’s goal is to observe, give lessons, change the work as needed, and assist the child in their growth.
In a Montessori classroom materials are displayed on open shelves in an orderly fashion. Children can choose a material on their own and continue working with it until they feel done. Children learn self-control and discipline in the environment. They learn there is a place for everything, and how to keep order. They learn to make choices and to work together.
Children move around the classroom choosing materials, carrying the materials to a rug or at a table and then work at their own pace.
Children are motivated by one another. Younger children look up to older children and older children want to mentor the younger children. The older child learns to be a model for the younger child to follow. Older children develop a sense of empathy and want to help the younger children. Younger children model what the older children are doing. When there is a conflict they talk to one another and help each other to solve problems together. Children in the classroom become a community and help each other to continue in a peaceful classroom.
Why Montessori
No child is the same or learns in the same style. Montessori is an individualized child-centered approach that focuses on a child’s individual needs. Children in a Montessori classroom develop self-confidence, positive attitudes, independence, and a joy for learning. The Montessori materials offer a built in control-of-error that allows a child to find their own mistakes. Montessori offers concrete learning tools and allows for repetition. Children thrive in an environment that is stimulating and organized. The mixed age classroom provides leadership and encouragement among the children. We have a low teacher to child ratio.
Philosophy
Children get individual and group lessons on how to use a material, and then are encouraged to do it themselves as often as they like. Repetition is very important for children; it promotes concentration, coordination, independence, a sense of order, and respect.
We recognize a child’s sensitive periods and encourage growth through the use of hands-on materials and individualized learning. Children learn from interacting with other children and help others. By respecting the children in the classroom we teach respect for all living things as well as respect for the materials.
Growing Up Montessori follows the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. The classroom is arranged to satisfy the child’s natural curiosity. It is equipped with developmentally appropriate materials for children to work with. Children learn a sense of order in the environment as well as keeping the classroom beautiful.
Teacher Bios
Christina Mata
My name is Christina Mata I am a native Santa Fean. I have a love of New Mexico and a great respect for my community. I began working with children as an Assistant Preschool Montessori Teacher in 2004, and realized through that work that I wanted to become a teacher.
After completing the Montessori training in 2006, I was inspired by the genius of Maria Montessori, the Montessori materials and the positive affects she witnessed in the children exposed to the Montessori Method. I have been hooked on Montessori ever since and I continue to actively expand my education.
Although my teaching experience has been in toddler through kindergarten classrooms, my passion is working with toddlers. I was thrilled when I received the opportunity to head the development of the toddler program here at Growing up Montessori. I am so grateful to have the talent and genuine love for the children to serve the youngest students.
Tamara LeMieux
Hello, my name is Tamara. I am a teacher in the 3-6 year old classroom. I have over 16 years of experience working with children. I conduct myself in a neat, organized and professional manner. I am a loving and nurturing person, who always puts the best interest of the children first.
I obtained my early childhood education degree in 2005 at American River College in Sacramento, CA. Prior to obtaining my teaching degree I was employed at the Sacramento Crisis Nursery, and worked with children between 0-5. I worked with children who were in crisis, had behavioral situations or special needs, and also with babies going through drug detoxification withdrawal symptoms.
I am fluent in sign language and have worked with deaf children for the past six years. I have also studied autism and have worked with autistic children through placements with New Vista School.
Growing Up Montessori provides a supportive environment that enables children to learn social skills, problem solving and independence. I look forward to sharing a wonderful school experience with you and your child.
Tracey Shonteff
My name is Tracey Shonteff. I was born and raised in San Francisco, California. I am an organized, well-rounded teacher who loves working with children, and I am inspired by the way children learn.
I was a babysitter for over eighteen years and had two long time families I worked for. One family had a child named Colton whom I cared for three times a week. For two years I used to pick Colton up from Forest Hill Montessori School, and care for him at his house. When Colton was ready to go to first grade, the owner of the school asked me if I wanted a job working there.
At the time all I knew about Montessori was what I saw through Colton and being in the class while picking him up. I decided to take the job and still cared for Colton after school. I was amazed at how the children worked independently - how they were able to read, write, and do addition and subtraction. Most of the children there were three and four, with a few five year olds. It was fascinating to me.
The following summer I went to New York and began a Montessori Early Childhood training program. I did my practicum years in Ridgewood, New Jersey. I worked in a half-day program with a wonderful woman who helped me become the teacher I am today. I was in charge of setting up most of the classroom, giving lessons, taking notes on the class and being aware of the schedule. At this time I learned the art of observation.
When I moved back to San Francisco I found a job working at Corte Madera Montessori. I had the pleasure of working as a head teacher. This exposed me to being responsible for planning classroom activities, caring for a pet in the classroom, incorporating specialty activities and training an assistant. I was there for two years before making the move to Santa Fe to be with my partner Pascal. He and I have been together for six years.
In Santa Fe, I joined another Montessori school and was a lead teacher in the Kindergarten classroom for two years before deciding to further my education by taking the Elementary Teacher Credential Course through the San Francisco Bay Area Montessori Teacher Education Center. I spent my practicum year at Desert as lead teacher for first, second, and third grades. I enjoyed the opportunity to teach the Elementary class because it showed me that my heart is with teaching the younger children.
Owning a school has been a dream mine for many years. I have always been passionate about working with children, but teaching has always been the most rewarding.