Photo: Top Victoria, middle Rachel & Kaman, bottom Jill and Aaliyah 

Here at Montessori Bethlehem, we have an amazing team within our infant and toddler rooms. Many of our teachers here are themselves parents and grandparents and so can draw from their many years of experience supporting children to be the best they can be. We are passionate about our Montessori Philosophy as it promotes kindness and respect for each other and all we do. 

Victoria - Curriculum Leader Like many Montessori teachers, I came to this way of teaching through my two children’s Montessori experiences which caused me to change careers to follow my passion. I now have over fifteen years experience in early childhood and have both ECE and Montessori qualifications. Over these years I have worked for long periods of time with all age groups, including infants and toddlers where I am currently based. I have seen many, many tamariki start with us as babies and have shared in their learning journey with their families through our centre, on to primary school and even beyond! Young children grow and develop so quickly that we are able to share in their excitement of learning and mastering new skills sometimes on a weekly basis. 

Rachel - Head Teacher Having worked here at Montessori Bethlehem for over five years I have worked in both our toddler and Nido spaces before taking on the role of head teacher for both rooms. We have worked hard to develop a really collaborative team that results in our tamariki right from the start feeling a deep sense of belonging that enables them to flourish. My passion lies with building strong relationships with both our tamariki, whanau and team so that we can work together to get the best outcomes for all. I value and embrace each of our tamariki for their unique individuality and love being able to support them no matter where they are in their learning and development. 

Jill – My passion for teaching lies with the toddler age group supporting and encouraging them to develop those skills necessary that will promote their growth and development. I find it most rewarding when children have achieved a goal and look to me for acknowledgment which I can readily provide. By encouraging parents and whanau to have a voice in their child’s learning is important I feel in establishing a positive relationship and sense of belonging for all. Each day for me is different in our toddler room and there are always moments where I realise, I am making a difference in lives of our tamariki and in their growth and development. 

Kaman - I have been working in the lovely toddler room since I finished my master's degree in ECE around two years ago. I enjoy working with my cheerful and experienced team who are keen on bringing a language-riched and multicultural learning environment for tamariki and work for the children’s best interest. I originally come from China and I try to provide various cultural-related learning experiences for tamariki to enrich their learning and ensure their cultural identities, and these experiences are loved by the tamariki and their whaanau. I am keen on facilitating children’s independence and developing their skills and abilities based on their interests, pace and competency. I believe every child is capable, confident and competent. I am doing my best to support their learning. 

Ezza – I was born in Malaysia but have been living in Tauranga since 2004. My husband is from China and we have three children including Alexander who is currently in the Bambini classroom. I have been working in ECE sector for over ten years. I am passionate about teaching young children and have an equally important passion for learning. Your tamariki is a taonga and it is a privilege to be a part of their learning journey in Nido. I look forward to meeting you and your tamariki. 

Aaliyah – This is my fourth year working here at Beststart Montessori Bethlehem. When I first started here, I was a Bambini kiako which I enjoyed thoroughly, but soon after I was given the amazing opportunity to be in the Nido room and that’s where I found my passion lies, with little pepi. I have been working in the childcare sector since I was 16 years old and have been determined to work in ECE since I was a child. I am so excited to get to know your tamariki and whanau!