In collaboration with a fellow teacher leader, the responsibilities of Teacher Leader include, but are not limited to co-teaching, family engagement and support, and school operations.
Teacher Leader
About Montessori & Wildflower
Why Montessori?
The Montessori Method is a time tested educational model that puts children first. All people learn best when they are motivated and excited to learn and that is what we strive to do in our classrooms. Watch this quick videoon how Montessori differs from traditional educational models.
What makes a Montessori classroom different?
There are many elements that make a Montessori classroom different from other pre-school programs. Our classroom is a mixed age grouping meaning that children of various ages work together and at their own pace. While we strive to meet state standards for each age, our priority is respecting each child’s agency in choosing work that calls to them. We emphasize working together as a community and finding peaceful, positive resolutions to conflict. This whole-child approach sets children up for success as they transition from our program to their elementary learning.
What is a three year cycle?
Montessori classrooms are mixed age meaning that children from three to six will be interacting with each other daily. This method works best when children are able to enter into the classroom around the age of three and stay with us for three consecutive years. The benefits of this are many. When they are young, the children are helped and even taught by the older children. When they are the classroom “elders” they help to set the tone and expectations. Teaching what they have learned helps solidify their own knowledge and brings a sense of pride and accomplishment. As teachers, we also gain a deep understanding of each child and family over the years that helps us to guide their learning.
Can I afford Montessori?
Montessori accessible to children from a wide range of families and financial situations. We truly believe that Montessori is an educational model for ALL children and we are committed to making that happen through our graduated tuition model. Montessori is an investment in your child’s future. Numerous studies have shown the long lasting benefits of a Montessori education in early childhood, read more here.
Why the name Clover?
Clover flowers are can be found in any open field, even in urban environments such as ours. Eileen also has fond memories of picking clover flowers for her mother and placing them in tiny little glasses at her childhood home. Your child will have a similar experience as they arrange flowers to decorate our classroom weekly!
Want to learn more about Wildflower’s origins?
Watch this TedTalk by Sep Kamvar about why he founded Wildflower and the benefits of small schools educating children in a nurturing environment.
Jay Hill
Chair
Jay is a Fort Smith native and a graduate of Northside High School. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he received a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science with a Minor in Architecture. He has over 18 years in the Design and Construction industry with much of this time spent working on the design side of numerous development teams focusing on affordable housing. He is also a parent of a former Montessori student. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, rock climbing, hiking, and golf.
Erica Hill
Treasurer
Erica Hill is a former Montessori parent that is enthusiastic about Hollyhock Montessori School’s mission. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in both Accounting and Finance, from the University of Oklahoma. Upon graduation Erica began work in corporate accounting in Oklahoma City, including a start-up oil refinery. For the past 14 years she has performed full charge bookkeeping for various small businesses and held various officer positions. She enjoys yoga, hiking, reading, and playing pickleball.
Board Member
Board Role
Jay Hill
Chair
Jay is a Fort Smith native and a graduate of Northside High School. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he received a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science with a Minor in Architecture. He has over 18 years in the Design and Construction industry with much of this time spent working on the design side of numerous development teams focusing on affordable housing. He is also a parent of a former Montessori student. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, rock climbing, hiking, and golf.
Erica Hill
Treasurer
Erica Hill is a former Montessori parent that is enthusiastic about Hollyhock Montessori School’s mission. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in both Accounting and Finance, from the University of Oklahoma. Upon graduation Erica began work in corporate accounting in Oklahoma City, including a start-up oil refinery. For the past 14 years she has performed full charge bookkeeping for various small businesses and held various officer positions. She enjoys yoga, hiking, reading, and playing pickleball.
Board Member
Board Role
Hollyhock Montessori follows the principles set out by Maria Montessori over 100 years ago. The heart of the Montessori Method is providing children with an accepting and nurturing space to learn at their own pace. We guide and support children through the use of specialized materials that isolate concepts and encourage exploration. Learn more about the Montessori Method here.
As teachers, we trust in the inherent goodness of all children. We believe in the transformative power of purposeful work in community with others, and our thoughtfully prepared environment fosters growth and agency as the path to a better world.
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Jay Hill
Chair
Jay is a Fort Smith native and a graduate of Northside High School. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he received a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science with a Minor in Architecture. He has over 18 years in the Design and Construction industry with much of this time spent working on the design side of numerous development teams focusing on affordable housing. He is also a parent of a former Montessori student. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, rock climbing, hiking, and golf.
Erica Hill
Treasurer
Erica Hill is a former Montessori parent that is enthusiastic about Hollyhock Montessori School’s mission. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in both Accounting and Finance, from the University of Oklahoma. Upon graduation Erica began work in corporate accounting in Oklahoma City, including a start-up oil refinery. For the past 14 years she has performed full charge bookkeeping for various small businesses and held various officer positions. She enjoys yoga, hiking, reading, and playing pickleball.
Board Member
Board Role