Ms. Karen Nelson, Directress I opened Oviedo Montessori School because I believe that the Montessori Method is the most satisfying and challenging way a for child to learn. When children are allowed to work at their own pace and find their own levels, it is exciting to see how quickly they advance in their knowledge.  I have a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida, a Florida Teaching certificate for Elementary Education grades K-6 and Prekindergarten/Primary Education age 3-grade 3, a Director’s Credential, Montessori Certification, and taught first grade for 7 years in a Public school.  My goal for the school is to continuously improve the program and promote educated, self-confident, motivated graduates.
	Ms. Migdalia Torres I have a BA in Elementary Education & Special Education from Colegio Universitario Metropolitano, Puerto Rico, and Montessori Certification for ages 2-6. Because Spanish is my first language I teach the children how to speak Spanish as well as help integrate new children and parents that only speak Spanish.  I have been working as a Montessori Teacher since 1998, and enjoy working in Oviedo Montessori School.  Montessori is a different method of learning, beginning by the teachers preparing the environment for the children.  Montessori students learn through hands on experiences and work at their own pace, so a prepared environment is very important.  Children work in a multi-age classroom where they can learn from their peers.
	Ms. Shobha Sastry I find teaching Montessori very interesting, because children learn at their own pace.  I have been teaching Montessori education for more than 8 years including teaching in Oviedo Montessori School for 4 years. I have a BS in math and science from Bangalore University, India, and Montessori Certification.  Montessori education means a lot to me, because it gives me great satisfaction when the children learn independently as a natural step in the learning process.  The Montessori approach to education in consciously designed to recognize different learning styles.  Montessori students learn through hands on experience.  Its curriculum is carefully structured and integrated from concrete to abstract.  My goal is to help children learn to their maximum capacity.
	Ms. Kimmy Mansour I have an A.S degree from Kingdom of Jordan, a CDA and I am trained in the Montessori Method. I have 12 years of experience in preschools, and I have been working with Oviedo Montessori School for 4 years. I chose to work with the Montessori School because it is a role model in the field, providing the children with the care and attention they need to grow and learn in a healthy environment. The Montessori classroom offers a variety of opportunities for children to experience freedom within an attractively structured and welcoming classroom. Another thing I like about the Oviedo Montessori School is that it has an excellent reputation, and the administration always strives to maintain this by recruiting excellent teachers who are patient and understanding of children, especially those children who need extra attention.
	Ms. Irma Chang My name is Lutuan Irma Chang. I am earning my Master of Arts degree in early childhood development and education at University of Central Florida. I have passed all state required exams to teach young children in pre-k to 3rd grade.  Currently I am studying to be a certified Montessori teacher for 3-6 years old children with North American Montessori Center. I am interested in teaching in a Montessori school because I believe that with the Montessori Method and Montessori materials every child has an opportunity to become an independent, self-confident, and competent individual.
	Ms. Sanjana Deshmukh I have a Masters in Education from Loyola College of Baltimore, a Masters in Fine arts MFA, Mumbai India, and an Associate Montessori Internationale (AMI) Diploma for ages 3-6 from the Montessori Education Center of Arizona.  I have been working with children for many years. My strengths are offering opportunities to students for learning math and language through Montessori teaching using Individualized education methods. I am the proud mother of a 13 year old daughter.

PARENT TESTIMONIAL

Our son started Oviedo Montessori in April 2006, just in time to start the summer Pre-K program. Our original plan was to transfer him to our local public school for Kindergarten. We always thought our son was a reader because he knew all of his sight words. It was quickly brought to our attention; upon evaluation that not only was he not a reader he did not know his phonics. The staff took action and started him on his road to reading, using several hands on methods.

His strengths were in math and social studies and the encouraging staff together with the Montessori Method allowed him to excel without restraint. This in turn made him feel proud and eager to learn. He enjoyed going to school and was always ready for a challenge.

Impressed with his progress at the end of the summer, coupled with the fact that each child is assessed as an individual rather than a group, we decided to leave our son at Oviedo Montessori for Kindergarten.

We knew our son would excel anywhere he went because of the core skills taught at Oviedo Montessori. At the end of Kindergarten our son was confidently reading grade 3 and 4 chapter books. He left the Montessori School with high levels of confidence in reading and math.

However, we were still surprised in March of 2007 when we started researching local private schools and looking at their first grade curriculums. During observation days at two private schools, our son was given placement tests. Both schools told us that he was both socially and academically prepared to start second grade. We took their advice and allowed him to be placed in second grade. He is now an honor roll student at a local private school.

At Oviedo Montessori the children are taught inner discipline, creativity and respect for others. This school is great for children from all backgrounds. I could go on and on, my husband and I were so impressed with this school.

Gary and Angela Bailey