5th Grade Teacher
Born in northern New York into a family of educators, Christy moved to Montana in 1989. She completed a degree in Biology while working at a Montessori preschool in Missoula. The creativity and free spiritedness of young children set Christy on the path to a Master’s Degree in Education. At heart always a student, Christy started to see the truth in Maria Montessori’s words that “To teach is to learn.”
After a decade spent teaching in a public school Christy knew she wanted to find a place for her own children, 3 and 6 years, where her love for hands on learning was both valued and practiced. A place where children can still be children and creativity, spontaneity, and play are foundational pieces of the learning philosophy. And so she found Sussex in the fall of 2009. Returning to Missoula and teaching small children 20 years later was coming full circle. At Sussex she enjoys the small class sizes and the collegiality of a uniquely talented staff that truly loves teaching. When Christy is not at Sussex she continues to be a student, completing her administrative certificate. She loves being outside with her husband and two children and can often be found in the woods around Bigfork or Missoula.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is based on the idea that students need to be active in constructing knowledge, not passive receivers. Children need generous amounts of time, play, and developmentally appropriate instruction. Mix these in an environment where curiosity and inquiry are valued and creative thinking is honored and children not only learn but also thrive as part of a community.
Is there anyone in particular who has inspired you as a teacher?
In elementary school I had teachers who let me sneak into the school basement to retrieve boxes when I was in a robot-building phase. I had a third grade teacher who was every bit as sure as I was that I would be an astronaut (and the builder of a space ship). In high school I was taught to think critically, read widely, and ask questions. During my entire education I was fortunate enough to see great teaching in action and I can’t help but think that these people shaped the teacher I am today.
What is your most rewarding experience as a teacher?
My most rewarding experiences in teaching have occurred outside. I can think of some specific, “that was amazing” moments in the classroom but for the most part, the countless hours I have spent getting kids into the woods have more than paid off in lasting memories of campfires and hikes in all seasons and in all weather.
What do you love most about teaching?
I love sharing the “ah ha!” moments with kids, when we are both learning. Maria Montessori said it best when she said, “To teach is to learn.” I love that teaching is never static but that doors are always opening because no two kids are alike.
What do you like to do when you are not teaching?
When I am not teaching or learning about teaching, I play with my two children, Asa and Lark. With my husband, we wander the woods looking to add to our weird natural science collection. We bike, garden, and make an awful lot of s’mores.