Rachel Pope – Lower Elementary
1. Where are you from? I was born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Laurel Springs, NJ.
2. What year did you begin teaching? I started teaching in 2001.
3. Where did you go to school? I did my undergraduate studies at University of South Florida and my graduate at University of Phoenix.
4. What degrees/certifications do you hold? I have a BA in Religious Studies from USF, a CDA in Early Childhood Education from Nova Southeastern University, a Masters of Art and Teaching in Elementary Education from University of Phoenix. I have a Florida teacher certification K-6 and am Montessori trained ages 6-9.
5. Describe a “top” teaching moment. My favorite teaching moments are when I see the children solving conflicts using peaceful conflict resolution strategies that we teach them in the classroom. I also love to see the students showing love and respect toward nature after learning about the natural world. They make me believe that these children will grow up to help make the world a more loving, peaceful place.
6. What part of the Montessori curriculum do you find most exciting/effective? I find that the most exciting and effective part of the curriculum is watching a student move through the passage from concrete to abstract. They use the Montessori materials every day until one day it finally clicks and they have an “aha” moment when they suddenly understand the abstract concept and no longer need the materials. It’s amazing!
7. Tell us about your family/hobbies. I have two children ages 14 and 12. My oldest, Raina, is a graduate of our Middle School program and is doing wonderfully in high school. My son, Sagen is in 7th grade at NMS. Our favorite family activities are camping and spending time together in nature. I also enjoy music, art, dance and reading.
8. What country have you never visited but would like to. I have never traveled abroad, so I would love to see another country other than our own. I have always dreamed of visiting Greece, Egypt, Turkey and India.