Staff Spotlight: Sarah Duvall
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Your background, your interests, your dreams, and your hobbies.
I am originally from San Diego and moved to Toledo in 2011. I began working at West Side in 2012. My husband and I have two children, Louise and Theodore, ages 8 and 4. I love spending time in nature, walking, swimming, and learning the ukulele!
I am originally from San Diego and moved to Toledo in 2011. I began working at West Side in 2012. My husband and I have two children, Louise and Theodore, ages 8 and 4. I love spending time in nature, walking, swimming, and learning the ukulele!
What’s your favorite Montessori quote?
“If teaching is to be effective with young children, it must assist them to advance on the way to independence.”
— Dr. Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child, p. 57
“If teaching is to be effective with young children, it must assist them to advance on the way to independence.”
— Dr. Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child, p. 57
What is the most important life lesson you'd like to share with your students? (How is this conveyed in your classroom?)
Treating others with kindness and love is very important to me. I often talk with my students about treating others the way they would want to be treated. I believe in guiding children through the process of thinking about how other people feel and learning to be empathetic.
Treating others with kindness and love is very important to me. I often talk with my students about treating others the way they would want to be treated. I believe in guiding children through the process of thinking about how other people feel and learning to be empathetic.
What do you love about Montessori?
I love the Montessori method because it provides an environment where children can grow in independence and become the fullest expression of who they were created to be. I appreciate how Montessori teachers act as guides, offering opportunities for children to follow their interests and receive lessons perfectly suited to where they are at that moment. Freedom within limits allows children to become self-disciplined individuals who take initiative in their own learning and care for their environment and classmates.
I love the Montessori method because it provides an environment where children can grow in independence and become the fullest expression of who they were created to be. I appreciate how Montessori teachers act as guides, offering opportunities for children to follow their interests and receive lessons perfectly suited to where they are at that moment. Freedom within limits allows children to become self-disciplined individuals who take initiative in their own learning and care for their environment and classmates.
What would you tell a prospective family about West Side?
I love the community you’ll find at West Side. The environment is so loving and positive—it truly feels like a big family! I love coming to work every day and feel very blessed to send my own children here.
I love the community you’ll find at West Side. The environment is so loving and positive—it truly feels like a big family! I love coming to work every day and feel very blessed to send my own children here.
Toledo Campus
Perrysburg Campus
West Side Montessori is an independent, accredited Montessori school educating children 13 months through 8th grade (preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, and middle school). We are one of the leading private schools in Toledo and the nation.
WSM does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic origin, race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability in the administration of its admission policy, educational policy, or any school-administered program.
WSM does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic origin, race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability in the administration of its admission policy, educational policy, or any school-administered program.