Susan McClain-Wells

Early Childhood Montessori Teacher
Montessori Credentialed for 3-6

Favorite quote:

"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." —Mother Teresa

"Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin."—Mother Teresa

Career Highlights:

I came to this community with forty years of experience working with children — I spent years teaching at creative arts centers, public schools, preschools, and special education programs, as well as volunteering for local Museum programs in California and Montana (1974-2001). I was a guide for art programs in established classrooms and country schools (sometimes via a suitcase).

I have degrees in Art & Philosophy and was endorsed through MSU K-12 Education certification program (certified teacher 1994-2002), have studied Early Child Development, Special Needs, Art Education and am certified 2-6 yrs Montessori Education (2017 via my mentor Victoria Brailsford). This effort was sometimes rocky, but in time, I honed the skills needed to be a part of something good and to become a part of a team that I respect. To be welcomed as a fellow Montessori Guide at Bozeman Montessori has been the fulfillment of a lifetime. My goals remain the same: striving to help children enter the future of our world and spirit with sincerity, integrity, respect and confidence.

Special Skills:

I believe that through a child's voice is heard creativities of such that have never been witnessed before. By gaining the strength of their words, a child can express and explore thoughts and feelings. We are the benefactors of those gifts. From my earliest age I found great fulfillment working with children and am always honored to hear their words.

Things I am passionate about:

I have witnessed something enthralling come forth from children, through their enthusiasm and efforts towards attaining independence (which will allow them to achieve anything). Through the child's words, music, and arts, come thoughts made visible/made tangible. Things that never existed before become real for them and for us, through the art of communication.

When I was little, I loved to:

I always wanted to be a part of what I thought was good. I was fortunate to have a loving community of friends and family who supported that effort. In the eyes of children, I see goodness and eager minds striving to be successful voices in our world. Nothing inspires me more than to help a child learn to express themselves and to feel part of something good.