Ricki Smith

Toddler Teacher

Hi, I’m Mrs. Smith. I graduated from Emporia State University in 2002 with a BA in English and a minor in Earth Science. After graduating, I worked as an educational aide in the Shawnee Mission School District before joining Blue Valley Montessori in June 2006 as an assistant teacher. I have also had the opportunity to train in the Authentic Montessori method under our Director, Tiffany Basinger, which has greatly enhanced my ability to design a dynamic and child-focused learning environment.

For 17 wonderful years, I worked in a mixed-age classroom with children ages 3 to 6, fostering their growth and curiosity through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Although I retired in May 2023, I quickly realized I wasn’t ready to leave teaching behind. That’s when I joined the Bluebird Montessori family as the Lead Teacher of the Toddler 2 Classroom. I’ve loved every minute of it, especially developing a curriculum tailored to our energetic and curious 2-year-olds.

In my current role, I’ve expanded the toddler curriculum to include exciting lessons on geography, exploring other countries, learning about cultural differences, diverse foods, and various climates. I am committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment where every child feels respected, valued, and inspired to grow. My deep-rooted passion for nurturing and guiding young children motivates me to create meaningful learning experiences that help them thrive.

Teaching has always been my passion, and I’m excited to continue sharing my experience and knowledge with the next generation, helping young learners discover their potential and the world around them.

Qualifications

  • Montessori Certification: North American Montessori Center NAMC-Certified
  • BA in English with a minor in Earth Science from Emporia State University (2002)
  • 17 years of experience teaching in a mixed-age 3–6 classroom at Blue Valley Montessori
  • Additional training through the Bluebird Authentic Montessori Training Program
  • Lead Teacher of the Toddler 2 Classroom at Bluebird Montessori
  • Expertise in curriculum development for toddlers, with a focus on geography and cultural exploration