The Del Ray Montessori School is a non-profit Montessori School located in the quaint Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia, we are associated and recognized by AMI/USA (Association Montessori International). Founded in 2011, we serve children ages 18 months through age 12 and their families in the DC metropolitan area.
Describe Montessori in one word: Respectful
Assistant Head of School
Jen has over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood with the past seven years serving at The Del Ray Montessori School. Throughout Jen’s career, she has worked with children from infants to school-aged in the following capacity: a SACC teacher for Fairfax County, as a Lead teacher for three-year-olds, as a Lead Teacher for four-year-olds, teaching Kindergarten, and as a Director for a large child care center.
Jen received a Bachelors in Recreation Resources Management from George Mason University. In addition, she is certified in Positive Discipline.
Jen loves to cook and enjoys being outside. She also loves spending time with her children and their heard of animals...and sometimes confuses the two.
How did you come to learn about and love Montessori?
I have learned about it throughout the years of being in early childhood. I also always knew there had to be a better way of interacting with children within the classroom … and when I came to DRMS, it all came together. I saw it in action and am still trying to learn all I can.
What is your favorite Montessori lesson?
I don’t know them all, but I have watched children fully engage and enjoy anything with water!
Describe the one WOW factor story you have seen in your children since you have taught Montessori:
I think the wow factor happens at home with my own children. Becoming certified in Positive Discipline has helped build my relationships with my children. They also become my guinea pigs ;)
