Staff Announcement

June 4, 2013

Cowles Montessori is pleased to announce the appointments of two teacher additions and one Montessori Coordinator for the 2013-2014 school year: 

Melinda is a native Iowan, raised in Dallas County near West Des Moines.  She graduated from Valley High School in 2002 and from Simpson College in 2009.  Melinda was placed at Cowles Montessori School with Mary Jean Annexstad, and was granted acceptance to complete the second portion of her student teaching with Keri Wolfe-Guess.  During this experience Melinda found a passion for teaching using Montessori methods.  Since completion of her degree, Melinda has been an active substitute at Cowles.  Melinda began AMS training for Elementary I/II June 2012 through Mid-America Montessori in Omaha, Nebraska.  She will complete her certification August 2014.

Rhonda brings with her 27 years of a love for education and knowledge about middle level education.  In her previous assignment at McCombs Middle School, she has been teaching the Gateway to Technology program addressing the interest and energy of middle school students which incorporates national standards in mathematics, science, and technology to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. This activity-oriented, cutting-edge program shows students how technology is used in engineering to solve everyday problems.  In addition, to working as a teacher, Rhonda was the On-site Director for McCombs’ 21^st Century Afterschool Program for 3 years guiding academic enrichment learning programs.  She has led collaborative teams in lesson planning and collaboration.  Over the years, Rhonda has worked with the Homes of Oakridge YWP Summer Camp with children from the ages of 4-12 teaching math, science, gardening, and working with the Homes of Oakridge 4-H group.  Rhonda shares, “I look forward to teaching at Cowles Montessori School.  I plan on being a contributing member of the Cowles staff.  I will demonstrate professional skills, a positive relationship with students, staff and parents.  I look forward to working with all of you and the Montessori model”.

Mona has been a Montessori Elementary 6-12 teacher for 24 years.  She received my American Montessori Society certificate from The Institute of Advanced Montessori Studies in Silver Springs, Maryland.  Her experience includes helping implement a Montessori Public School Program in Lincoln, NE.  She was fortunate to take the first year class all the way through sixth grade and notes, “it was an experience she will always treasure”.  When Mona came to Cowles four years ago she wanted to be in an all Montessori school.  Over the course of her teaching she became a Montessori trainer for educators for the Midwest Institute and the Iowa Training Center.  Mona has also evaluated training centers for AMS.  Currently, Mona is a mentor in Des Moines Public Schools.  As many of you know, Mona enjoys working with parents, teachers and students to explain and promote Montessori in Public Schools.