To inspire a love of learning through exploration and self discovery is at the root of a Montessori education. How rewarding is it when the students who have experienced this unique pedagogy make the professional choice to carry that experience forward?
This year Chiaravalle is thrilled to have two former students join alumnae Caitlin Hibdon '96 on our teaching staff.
Paige Haden '12
What years were you a student at Chiaravalle?
I attended Chiaravalle for 12 years from Toddler to Middle School.
What is your fondest memory as a student at Chiaravalle?
My fondest memories are from Friday community meetings, reading poems by Shel Silverstein and sharing songs and stories from all of the classrooms.
Tell us what you have been up to in the last five years.
I have been training with Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center. I have taught Early Childhood summer programming at Chiaravalle. I graduated from Kenyon College, a small liberal arts college in rural Ohio where I studied English Literature and swam competitively. I also lived in England for a year!
What brought you back to Chiaravalle?
I have always felt deeply connected to this community and to the missions of the school. My family lives locally and I feel very fortunate to be near them, especially in the midst of a pandemic.
Daniel Weinberg
What years were you a student at Chiaravalle?
I was a student at Chiaravalle from 1990 - 1994.
What is your fondest memory as a student at Chiaravalle?
It's hard for me to identify a single fondest memory of my time here. One moment that always sticks out for me is the time my 3rd grade teacher, Lisa Davis, pulled me aside to check in with me. She was checking in because I included "school" on a list of things I don't like. I was a new student to Chiaravalle, and my experience had always been that school was not an enjoyable place. The fact that she wanted to discuss this with me told me that A) she cares enough about me to take the time to talk, and B) school does not have to be a miserable place. This moment went on to have a foundational impact on my approach to education and working with children.
Tell us what you have been up to in the last five years.
I have been living in Skokie with my wife and 3 children for the last 13 years. Prior to joining Chiaravalle, I served for 2 years as the associate director for educational innovation at Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools, an organization that supports Jewish day schools around North America. Before that, I was director of 5th-8th grades at Solomon Schechter Day School in Northbrook, where my children still attend in 3rd, 6th, and 8th grades. I began my career as a 6th grade science and social studies teacher at McCracken Middle School in Skokie.
What brought you back to Chiaravalle?
I like to think that it was serendipity that I happened to find myself between roles at the same time that the school was looking for someone to cover a maternity leave in upper elementary. Chiaravalle taught me to embrace who I am as a learner and as a person, that I should never have to apologize for being myself, that every single member of our community deserves dignity and respect, and that together we can accomplish anything. Throughout my career as an educator, I have been surprised to find this approach missing in so many schools. Returning to Chiaravalle, where these ideas still hold true, feels like coming home.
Is there anything else you want us to know?
Only that I am honored to return to this community. I hope I can continue to give back after having gained so much.