Jill has a long and distinguished history of working with young children, and has been teaching at Foothills Academy since 2003. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Colorado State University, earned her teacher certification from the University of Colorado at Denver, and completed an internship with Denver’s Stanley British Primary School (in addition to teaching K–2 at that school for three years). She earned her certification as an early childhood program director from Red Rocks Community College.

 

Jill’s teaching career began with a program called the Colorado Preschool Project, an organization that brought “whole language” preschool education to at-risk public schools in Jefferson County. Her experience at Stanley solidified her personal philosophies with regard to the education of the “whole child,” and perfected the art of conducting multiple activities simultaneously within a group by setting up a number of anchor activities that allow a teacher to float and work with children one-on-one.

 

Drawing on children’s enthusiasm for a subject (e.g., pizza), she creates integrated curricula that involve math, science and language. Play and self-discovery are at the foundation of her classroom, and the children—from the youngest students on up—are encouraged to make their own choices throughout the day guided by very intentional teacher support.

 

“I have learned to take the things I am passionate about and use them to help the children learn,” says Jill. “I am a fellow learner, which lends a certain humility to my teaching. The children are allowed to be knowledgeable and enter the classroom with their own talents, skills and information to share with all.”

 

Her son, Jack, is a student at Foothills Academy.