Emily Westberg Email and Phone Number

Primary Guide Worked to normalize a primary classroom that had been through 4 guides in 4 years. Completed all of the typical responsibilities associated with the lead guide role (refer to additional details in listings below). Researched best practices and created a distance learning approach during COVID. Resumed in-person teaching 9/20. Adapted the prepared environment to emergency COVID protocols. Attended the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector introductory training on Coaching as well as Child Study, then actively and collaboratively worked with these models. Participated in Strategic Planning on both the Environmental Stewardship and Montessori Excellence Committees. Worked with the Multnomah County and Portland Public School early childhood support services to support children with speech and other learning challenges. Collaborated with the Permaculture specialist as well as the Enrichment Coordinator to align children’s outdoor experiences as well as transition room and summer program with the Montessori pedagogical approach. In 20-21, upgraded the outdoor environment, including converting an unused area (70’x 4’) of the grass to a biodiverse garden with 8 different subsections without utilizing any of the school budget (procured resources and donations from local businesses). Extended my teaching services to tutoring several children who needed additional support post-graduation.

Transitioned a traditional preschool classroom to an AMI approach. Worked with the board and ED to establish AMI principles (e.g. follow the child; 3 hour work cycle, boosted 3rd year retention and parent education re: the 3 year nature of the program (created of a Power Point presentation on the 3rd year), reducing the number of transitions throughout the day and supporting the children’s independence, initiating and hosting parent observations 3 times per year). Worked with a diverse staff who had a variety of non-Montessori backgrounds. Prepared/maintained an environment that upholds AMI standards. Prepared/maintained individual and group lessons, materials and records. Kept meticulous records of daily observations, behavior, separation and accident reports, parent and staff communications, monthly drills, grocery/snack prep orders as well as communicating with parents daily. Maintained 20-30 hours of professional development annually and maintained all required certifications. Worked with outside specialists weekly and as needed for the evaluation of children with special needs, etc. Monthly admin meeting. Led weekly team meetings with my staff (of 2-3 untrained assistants). Created and maintained information binders for the assistants with roles, duties, schedules, articles and procedures. Presented parent ed. Presented whole-staff training as well as “Mindfulness” segments at staff meetings. Parent conferences and reports. Worked with other lead staff to coordinate events. Mentored the toddler teacher in transitioning to a Montessori approach. Assisted with the hiring process during the school’s expansion. Worked with guides to create consistency between the classrooms (e.g. collaborating on a new conference form) and sharing best practices. Supervised and supported the before and aftercare programs as needed. Utilized Brightwheel app. Strategic planning process and worked on the Diversity Recruitment and Retention Committee.

Primary Guide: Started a primary classroom with ten 3 year olds and supported its growth to a group of 25, the majority of which attended all day and consistently maintained a full roster, including a group composition of ⅓ 3rd-4th year children. Worked to develop the Intergenerational Program with the assisted living center where our school was initially located. Maintained the prepared environment. Created materials. Played guitar, rhythm instruments, sang and did music or poetry with the children daily. Played the silence game regularly (a mark of high fidelity Montessori practice). Performed daily grace and courtesy lessons. Regularly observed and kept records of the children’s academic and social development as well as their strides in independence. Planned and led two parent education nights each year. Prepared and presented 2 conference reports and led a minimum of two conferences for each child. Attended various school community and fundraising events. Developed proactive and quality relationships with parents and staff, many lasting years to the present. Supervised, mentored and guided classroom assistants, substitutes and volunteers, as well as student teachers from the local Montessori Northwest (AMI Training Center). Participated in many training events through the AMI training center, NAMTA, AMI/USA and the Oregon Montessori Association (OMA). Maintained certification in infant/child CPR and first aid as well as food handling, child abuse and neglect and all relative state certifications. Compiled and composed several articles for parents in addition to newsletters. Established many annual events and ceremonies within the life of our little community that have become traditions. Maintained a high level of retention within my classroom: despite fierce competition with local elementary school kindergarten programs (charter and magnet schools). Guided the summer program for 2 years.