Jenn Nassi

Job Title

Lower Elementary Co-Lead Teacher, Wheat Ridge Campus in the Cypress Room 

How many total years have you worked in Montessori?

9

How many years have you worked at Compass?

5

Level of education and professional credentials

I completed my BA in Journalism and Psychology through the University of Wisconsin, followed by my teaching license in Elementary Education with an endorsement in bilingual education through California State University- East Bay. 

I then earned my Early Childhood Montessori teaching credential through the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (MECR) and later completed my Lower and Upper Elementary training at MECR as well. Additionally, I have completed training at the basic and advanced level in Orton-Gillingham.

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

I love following each child's needs and interests, exploring new concepts with them, and seeing the tremendous growth each year. Being able to build relationships with the children and their families over the three-year cycle is such a gift. The Compass community is amazing and I feel grateful to work with such passionate team members as well.

What is your favorite lesson in Montessori?

This is a difficult question to answer, but if I have to pick one I would choose the Stamp Game. The Stamp Game adapts to different learning levels, starting with simple addition and progressing to more complex operations. Children explore addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in a hands-on, tactile manner, physically manipulating the tiles and chips to create equations, visualize mathematical relationships, and solve problems independently.

How were you introduced to the world of Montessori? 

My first experience teaching was with a co-teacher in a Lower Elementary classroom in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. That year was an eye-opening experience as I saw the clear potential of each child and the wonderful community that was fostered. I knew after that experience that I wanted to continue learning about the Montessori approach to education.

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

I would sing or play an instrument (most likely piano or ukulele).

List one passion you have outside of work

As mentioned above, I enjoy music. I also enjoy getting out in nature- hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, paddleboarding, and other activities!