Jen Wyld - Our Staff

Jennifer Wyld began her Montessori journey as a classroom assistant in a primary classroom in Austin, Texas.  In over twenty years, she has held a variety of roles in Montessori schools and completed AMI Montessori training as an Elementary guide (ages 6-12) and for Assistants to Infancy (ages 0-3). She is also AMS and NAMTA trained as an adolescent guide (ages 12-15).  Jennifer holds a BA in Latin and an MA in Geography with an emphasis on environmental education, as well as an MEd in Montessori elementary education. Jennifer started the Montessori middle school program at Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School in Eugene, Oregon, where she worked for 7 years. Outside of the classroom, Jennifer has offered parent education sessions, professional development for educators, presented at local, national, and international conferences, as well as taught undergraduate and graduate level courses. After leaving Ridgeline, she returned to graduate school at Oregon State University, pursuing a PhD in Free Choice Learning. Her dissertation research focused on how participation in an after-school game design program impacted adolescent identity around STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Much of her work in academia has focused on issues of equity in educational opportunities, alternative educational experiences, and the emerging Maker education movement. She lives in Vancouver, WA with her partner and has two adult daughters (one who is a Montessori elementary guide!) who both attended Montessori schools from preschool through middle school. She enjoys long walks, watching movies, and knitting during meetings.