Rachael Vu

Job Title

Children’s House Co-Lead Teacher, Forest Room

How many total years have you worked in Montessori?

8

How many years have you worked at Compass?

8

Level of education and professional credentials

Bachelor's of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education (ECE Teaching License w/ Director Qualifications) + Early Childhood Montessori Credential

What is the most inspiring thing about working at Compass, with students and/or in Montessori?

There are so many things to love about the Montessori philosophy, but I particularly love that it is a child-centered approach to learning that targets each child’s individual needs, skills, and interests. This empowers children to learn at their own pace and have an experience that is unique to them versus expecting every child to do the exact same thing. I also love witnessing how independent our students become when given the proper tools and guidance to do things for themselves.

What is your favorite lesson in Montessori?

Every Montessori lesson is so special and meaningful in its own way, but my absolute favorite materials are the Math materials. I am forever blown away by the materials Dr. Montessori developed to take abstract math concepts and make them concrete for children to be able to physically manipulate and make sense of. It's not something I can eloquently  put into words, but watching 3, 4, and 5-year olds be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide (among other things) is a beautiful thing to experience!

How were you introduced to the world of Montessori? 

I was a Montessori child myself from ages 3 to 12. When I was in college to get my general education teaching license for early childhood education, I returned to my Montessori elementary school to complete my semester of student teaching before graduating. During that semester, I realized how much more I loved the Montessori approach than traditional public education. I found myself working at Compass shortly after graduating from Colorado State (2016) and eventually went on to obtain my Montessori teaching certification.

Fun fact - If we held a staff talent show, I'd wow everyone with my talent doing.....fill in the blank! 

I grew up playing the violin and while I don't play anymore as an adult, it is a skill I am proud of having learned and with some practice, I could probably play a mean Canon in D.

List one passion you have outside of work

I absolutely love indoor cycling!