The role of a Montessori teacher is that of an observer whose ultimate goal is to intervene less and less as the child grows and develops self-direction.  The teacher is a guide; he or she creates an atmosphere of calm order and joy in the classroom. The guide helps and encourages the children in all their efforts, allowing them to develop self-confidence and inner discipline.

We are very proud of our facility, but what truly makes SPMS a wonderful school is the exceptional teaching staff.  There are never enough words to express our gratitude and appreciation to this group of dedicated teachers.  They consistently keep the children’s love of learning as their top priority.  In every classroom, our guides recognize each child’s individual strengths, talents, and unique qualities while fostering literacy, intellectual curiosity, compassion, creativity, community awareness, and physical well-being.

Not only do our teachers make SPMS exceptional, our office staff exhibit dedicated commitment to the students, families, and community.   They wear many hats, often juggling phones and paperwork as well as substituting for a teacher or guiding tours of the school.  Our head of school's leadership and energy guides the Spruce Pine Montessori team; her positive and supportive relationship with each staff member is a great asset to SPMS. 

 

Getting to Know You . . .

 

Toddler Classroom-Lisa Schultz, Christine Henry

 

3-6 Classrooms- Wanda Levin, Mitzi Ray, Desiree Duncan

 
6-12 Classroom-Mary Wray
 

Head of School-Kori Fidler

 


 

Lisa Schultz  joined SPMS in 2010, starting our first Toddler Classroom for 18 - 36-month olds.  She began her Montessori adventure when her daughter, Katey, attended Montessori school.  In 1993 she received her AMI Primary Teaching Certificate and began teaching 3- to
6-year olds at Childpeace Montessori Community in Portland, Oregon. After eleven years at Childpeace, Lisa moved with her husband, Bill, to Celo, NC where she worked for five years as a house parent, administrative clerk, and teacher at The Arthur Morgan School.  In her pre-Montessori life, Lisa was a human resources executive for both profit and non-profit
organizations.  She loves creating a challenging and beautiful classroom environment and learning from each child.
Mitzi Ray has worked in early childhood education for 18 years, 10 of those at SPMS.  Mitzi began her career as an assistant in the 3-6 year old classroom.  She  received her Montessori certification and has enjoyed her role as a lead teacher for seven years. The heartbeat of Mitzi's classroom is the energy and dedication she shares each day with every child that enters the door.  In the future, Mitzi hopes to continue her love for Montessori education by helping other adults understand and go forth to share Maria Montessori's unique, whole-child approach to life and learning.
Wanda Levin began her career at SPMS eighteen years ago and has believed her job is a gift from the very first day.  Wanda raised twin daughters and enjoyed the experience of learning and sharing with her young children and their curious minds.  When her daughters were teenagers, Wanda realized that she wanted to work in early childhood education.  Soon, a visit to SPMS became a job offer and Wanda has thrived on the challenges and joys that each year brings.  Wanda holds a BFA degree in studio art and a certification for teaching art for children ages K-12.  She received her Montessori certification for 3-6 year old children in 1997.
Desiree Duncan discovered Spruce Pine Montessori when she enrolled her young son in 1999.  She began as a parent volunteer in the classroom then began working as a substitute teacher.  Desiree earned her Early Childhood credentials and was hired as a 3-6 assistant teacher in 2001.  Desiree treats each of her classroom children as a member of her family, getting to know each of them, their interests, their needs, their wishes; each day she feels fortunate to be a special part of the children's lives and their adventure at SPMS.
Christine Henry first grew to love and appreciate SPMS as a parent.  She watched her children grow and flourish in the prepared Montessori environment and when in 2008 a 3-6 assistant teaching position became available, she became involved in SPMS in a whole new way when she was hired to join the dedicated staff.  She is now the assistant teacher in our new toddler classroom.  Christine discovered her affinity for teaching through motherhood, as an artist/instructor with the Toe River Arts Council Enhanced Arts in the Preschools program, and as a camp instructor at Penland's summer kid's camps.  She received her bachelor's degree in psychology and plans to pursue her Montessori teacher's certification in the future.
 
Mary Wray has been teaching the elementary classrroms for thirteen years. She became interested in Montessori after having her child Jesse, who later became a student of Miss Wanda's. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Recreation Management. Mary enjoys the bond that can be created when having a student for three years. In the classroom, Mary focuses on experiential education and community building. She loves to bring the curriculum to life through many different learning experiences and is now taking on a new adventure by running the 6-12 year old program at SPMS..
67 Walnut Avenue, Spruce Pine NC 28777

828-765-7779

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