Preschool teachers – they’re with our kids each day and play a critical role in shaping their development. This week, we’re sitting down with a Manhattan Beach native who is making an impact on students in our community each day, at Montessori School of Manhattan Beach!
Tell us a little about yourself, Miss Brittany!
Hi! My name is Brittany and I have been working at the Montessori School of Manhattan Beach for 10 years. I actually grew up in Manhattan Beach, a few streets away from the Montessori School. I love my job and this town as well as going to the beach, watching Laker games as a life long fan and spending time with friends, family, my boyfriend, and my dog.
When did you first know that you wanted to be a teacher?
I have always worked with kids since my first job when I was 16 at Hammerhead Beach Camp as a counselor during the summers. Later I worked as a tutor in high school, a dance and gymnastics instructor in college, as well as nannying and babysitting over the years. Working with kids has always felt like something that came naturally to me and something I really enjoyed, as a caregiver and educator in many forms. When attending Cal State San Marcos, my child development classes and child psychology classes were the most interesting to me. When I started student teaching in a 4th grade classroom I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped, and realized I wanted to focus more on child development during those preschool age years.
What drew you to work at Montessori of Manhattan Beach?
When moving back to my home town after college and looking for work, I started looking locally and I had a friend who was currently teaching at Montessori. While at the time I didn’t know much about the history of Maria Montessori and her methods, I was impressed with what I saw happening at the school, and was lucky enough to find an opening for an assistant in a 2 year olds class, which was the age I was hoping to teach. After learning much more about the Montessori Methods, I attended UC Irvine and completed their Montessori teacher training program while still working as an assistant. I loved all of my classes, and after completion, I was able to become a co-teacher and eventually take over my own classroom as head teacher.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
I love that this job is always different! We have a daily schedule, but each child brings something fun, hilarious, silly and crazy to each day. I am never stuck behind a desk or a computer, I get to play outside and read stories, do art projects, and design different lesson plans. There can be tears and a lot of diaper changes of course, but there are also so many hugs and laughs all day long. The best thing is watching a child really understand something after a lesson – when you see that they are realizing something new all on their own. You feel really happy knowing you helped a child and taught them something amazing.
What’s one thing about the Montessori method that you think parents should know?
I feel that one of the best things about the Montessori Method is how it fosters independence. There is an environment created so that the child can grow to their full potential. I see too many parents do things for their children when the child is perfectly capable of doing it themselves. Even the little ones are so much more capable than we think they are!
What’s been the most memorable moment from your teaching experience at MB Montessori?
There have been so many fun experiences over the years, but the best and most memorable take away is when a parent truly appreciates what you do. Early childhood educators work so hard to give it our all, and keep so many children happy and safe while teaching important lessons. It is hard to please everyone, so when a parent can see how much progress a child has made over a year it is just incredible!
Any parting words?
For anyone that is interested in the Montessori Method, come by our amazing preschool and say hi!
Interested in learning more? Montessori School of Manhattan Beach is a Montessori-based education with two campuses. They offer a 5 day a week program, with a beautiful and large outdoor space that includes a pool! (Swim lessons are included in tuition). This year they are also launching a dual Spanish immersion classroom, along with a Montessori Together Playgroup for toddlers.
Manhattan Beach Montessori School
2617 Bell Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 545-8104
Manhattan Beach Montessori School
315 South Peck Av
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 379-9462
