The Rainbow Mountain Preschool Program
Judith Beers, Preschool Lead Teacher
Judith Beers has been teaching in preschools for more than 25 years. This is her 14th year teaching at Rainbow Mountain and her second year in the role of Preschool Director. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Hearing and has her Montessori Teaching Credential for ages 3 through 6.
Judith started her career as a speech therapist but fell in love with early childhood education while visiting friends who had a preschooler. She was captivated by the enthusiasm and open-heartedness of their lively 3-year-old child. Wanting more of this “magic” in her life, Judith went on to pursue Montessori training.
Twenty-five years later, Judith still delights in her students’ energy and enthusiasm. She loves helping them explore and name their feelings, and she encourages them to “use their words” in daily interactions with peers and adults. Judith works very hard to create a classroom that supports clear and intentional communication. She enjoys watching her students develop their communication skills and learn to solve their own problems.
Judith’s favorite time of day is circle time, when everyone gathers to share and learn in community. But, she knows that much of her students’ learning occurs organically during unexpected moments throughout the day. This realization helps keep her grounded in the present as it unfolds with all of its surprises and mysteries.
When she is not in the classroom, Judith loves to dance, garden, sew, hike, make books, stretch, nap and read. She also likes to make (and drink) homemade chai and is the proud mom of Grace, a 21-year-old political activist who is currently living in Brooklyn, NY.
Jessy Decker, Preschool Lead Teacher
Jessy Decker has been teaching preschool at Rainbow Mountain for more than 10 years and received her early childhood teaching credential in 2001. She studied art and education for 3 years at Warren Wilson College, and she has taken courses in early childhood education at Western Carolina University and AB–Tech Community College.
As a child, Jessy always envisioned herself as a teacher but also loved artistic expression. When she first went to college, she felt torn between education and art. Education eventually won out when a friend suggested that teaching at Rainbow Mountain would be a great way to pursue both loves.
Jessy is passionate about helping her children articulate their needs, think for themselves and make wise community-based choices. She believes this approach gives her students the gift of clear and respectful communications—a gift that they can use throughout their lives.
Her favorite time of day is centering, when students are invited to offer appreciations for each other. She loves watching individual children progress from shyness to superficial compliments to genuine recognitions of their classmates’ strengths and kindness. Jessy also enjoys their morning yoga time.
When Jessy is not sharing art, stories, bubbles and hugs with her children, she grabs her favorite dance partner and they swing, tango, waltz, zydeco, and salsa. Jessy alsoloves bookmaking, drawing, rubber-stamping, photography, reading, collecting faeries and playing with her two crazy cats.
Robe Kane, Preschool Lead Teacher
Robe Kane has been teaching preschool for more than 10 years. This is his 7th year at Rainbow Mountain.
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