Guide Spotlight: Ann Benson
We are so excited to welcome Ann Benson to the Early Childhood program at the Springs Campus this school year. Ann is Lead Guide in the Primary Bluebirds classroom.
Ann's Montessori journey started in college when she was observing in a Montessori classroom. She said the moment she stepped in the classroom she "had found [her] 'home' as a teacher." She also found a home in bilingual education after spending her junior year in college attending school in Mexico. Ann graduated with her Elementary Education degree with a bilingual endorsement from the University of Texas.
After college, Ann went onto Philadelphia where she acquired her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) certification. She recalls her training with Mother Isabel Eugenia who was trained by and taught alongside Dr. Maria Montessori. She recalled the experience as "pure magic."
Over the past thirty-four years, Ann has spent time teaching in Montessori schools, traditional preschools, and public schools. Her love for all things education, Spanish language, and music inspired her to start Somos Amigos, a well-known music and spanish program for young children and parents. She spent the past twenty-five years as the owner, director, and instructor of that program in two different cities--Ft. Lauderdale and Austin. However, the Montessori classroom called Ann back. "I missed seeing the same children everyday," Ann shared. She sold her business in 2019, and after hearing her parents from Somos Amigos rave about Headwaters School, she checked in and found an open position to pursue.
When she isn't sharing all of her talents, Ann enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially playing with her granddaughter, Colette.
What Brought Ann to Headwaters School
I feel honored and privileged to be part of the Headwaters community. I am the Lead Guide in the Bluebirds classroom. Each day I get to not only teach the Montessori curriculum, but also include music and Spanish experiences with my students. I love being a Montessori teacher, bottom line.
Fun Facts About Ann
- I'm bilingual. I love the Hispanic culture. I have a lot of friends that live or are from Mexico and Spain. It's been a big part of my life.
- I'm a new grandmother. I have a thirteen-month-old granddaughter. She is a huge part of my life.
- I love to sing and play guitar. Circle time is probably my favorite part of the day.
- I used to be a championship horseback rider. I would do jumping. My parents owned a stable in Del Valle where I grew up. I had horses and used to show all over the United States. That was my passion. That, music, and kids. I still have the music and kids, but am now afraid to get back on a horse!
Spring Campus
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18 months to Pre-K
Creek Campus
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Elementary School
River Campus
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Middle & High School
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