Meet the Team: Jenny

We'd like to continue to introduce ourselves-- the team behind Goldenrod! Here is a Q&A with Jenny Sholar, our primary teacher.

How did you find Montessori?

I found Montessori by accident, when I got a job at a Montessori preschool without knowing anything about the philosophy.  But as I worked more and more in a Montessori environment, I found that it really represented the best of what teaching can be-- respectful, encouraging, community-minded.  I love Montessori because it emphasizes the emotional well-being of individual children and the whole classroom community as much as anything else.  Montessori children tend to be self-assured, articulate and respectful because they get so much practice in expressing their feelings and resolving conflicts.

Can you share with us about your background in Montessori Education?

Before starting Goldenrod, I worked in a Montessori classroom for 5 years, including 2 years as a lead teacher.  I received my Montessori Primary credential from the MACTE-accredited Center for Guided Montessori Studies in 2021.  I taught and did my practicum through the pandemic which was quite an experience! Outside of teaching, I've worked with kids in a variety of different ways-- including as a nanny for a family with 4 kids, a swim coach, a literacy tutor, and an au pair.  

What is it about the age group you work with that really resonates with you?

I teach the primary classroom, so ages 3-6.  Occasionally I get students a little before they turn three and I teach them all the way through the end of kindergarten.  In that time frame, I feel like children really start to develop into their individuality.  Children are inherently enthusiastic and curious and kind, and I love watching their knowledge blossom as they learn more and more about the world around them.  The primary years are also when children really start to develop empathy and form deep friendships, and I love watching the relationships among the children in my class develop over time. I love the mixed age environment because it goes a long way towards building community and leadership skills.  

What’s one of your favorite subjects to learn about with students?

I love to teach reading! Children have an innate love of stories and books, and they are so curious about everything.  Once children learn how to read, they can explore any topic or book or story that catches their eye, and I love helping them develop the key to unlock that entire world of possibility.  There is a magic moment when children learn how to read, when all the work they've done to learn their letter sounds and whatnot finally clicks, and suddenly they can read words. Then they're off to the races! I find it so moving to witness every single time.

I also am really enthusiastic about social-emotional learning.  I incorporate a lot of breathwork into our daily routines as a way of practicing the skills of emotional regulation.  Because at the end of the day, the ability to regulate, identify and express your emotions has to come before anything else.  A child can't sit down and do a literacy lesson when they're dysregulated.  And a sense of calm, self-acceptance and self-confidence helps children try new tasks that feel daunting or too challenging. This social-emotional learning ties into what we do as Montessorians with peace education-- we develop peace within ourselves, then peace with those around us, and finally peace with the entire Earth.

What is something unexpected about the process of opening a school?

I was surprised by how many skills we had to learn and projects we had to tackle.  I love teaching and I am good at teaching, and at the onset of this project I thought that's all I'd be doing-- silly me! We've also been learning how to fundraise, how to operate and run a non-profit with a board, how to navigate zoning requirements, how to draft policies, how to refine and communicate our vision to our community, and on top of all of that how to communicate and problem solve amongst each other.  We've faced a lot of challenges but no challenge feels insurmountable because we have a team of people who are so passionate, so dedicated, so hard-working, and so skilled at what they do.

When you’re not in the classroom, what are you most likely to be doing?

I love to read. I also have a big vegetable garden and love to grow and cook my own food.  I also love to spend time outside- hiking, canoeing, ice skating, swimming, all of that.