Shannon Visciano

Job Title

Co-Lead Teacher Upper Elementary 

How many total years have you worked in Montessori?

7

How many years have you worked at Compass?

6

Level of education and professional credentials

Bachelor’s Degree Organizational Leadership and Small Business Management

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

The Compass community inspires me daily.  Whether it be my students' curiosity or self awareness or my coworkers' unconditional support and love for both the Montessori approach to education and the Compass community as a whole, Compass is home to me. 

What is your favorite lesson in Montessori?

If I HAD to choose, I would probably choose the Story of the Sumerians, which introduces students to the measurement of angles through a history lesson.  I find it so perfectly Montessori to teach a mathematical concept through a fascinating story that inspires all of the children and provides context and reason to something that is usually just glazed over quickly.  There is so much beauty and history in everything we do. 

How were you introduced to the world of Montessori? 

After leaving the world of training adults and looking for something new, I actually stumbled onto Compass and accepted a position.  I immediately fell in love with the Montessori approach to teaching while I fell in love with Compass.  

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

My talents are really stage-friendly, but I surprise people with my love for, well… people!  So, maybe cheering others on or making a fool out of myself dancing like no one's watching. 

List one passion you have outside of work

Adventuring with my family