I have been with Spirit At Play for the last 16 years. Playacting Gritch the Witch one day, Ms. Oxygen the next, and Monster Mama another. I made my home in Missoula years ago and plan to stay as long as there are mountains to climb and trails to explore. I received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Montana and keep abreast of current early education practices through local conferences and classes.

 

I have spent the last decade and a half with children who attend Spirit At Play, sometimes ensconced between the four walls, but more often than not, trailing behind them through the parks and trails of our Missoula community in search of adventure together. My philosophy of education includes exploration of our surroundings and respect of each other and the environment. I believe that children are capable of great things if we learn to trust them and allow that exploration. It helps that I am still a child at heart, eager to enter into the world of the children around me, donning whatever character is needed to complete the play at hand..

 

I love being in the classroom because to me it is a place of magic. Children are eager to learn from someone who is kind and patient and accepting; children are also eager to teach, and have so much to offer! Daily I am amazed at their ability to absorb information and their enthusiasm for life. In all the 16 years here, I can honestly say I have never experienced a dull moment.

...more's the pity...

 

Teacher Judy

Judy teaches workshops on recycling and art education to others in the childcare community of Missoula.