Jess Fraley

JESS FRALEY
AMI 3-6 Auxiliary Trainer
Portland, OR

  • Master’s Degree in Education from Loyola University in Maryland 2013

  • AMI Primary Training at Montessori Northwest in 2011

  • Current Primary Trainer in Training

  • 9 years of classroom experience

What I do at MNW
I am learning to be a steward of AMI Primary Training.

What is your Montessori journey?
I came to Montessori when I had my first child, who is now 16. Despite all my years working in preschools and as a nanny, I quickly realized how much I didn’t know about early childhood development.  I intuited that there was something more, something hidden within the child that I didn’t understand.  Montessori serendipitously showed up in my life and within a few weeks I observed in a classroom, read The Absorbent Mind, and was completely hooked.  Fifteen years later, I can say that Montessori has completely reshaped my life both personally and professionally.  I have tools to work with a wide range of learners, I have strategies for managing the myriad of things life throws at me, and I have an immense respect for the laws of the universe.  I strive to bring all of this to my work, every day.

Favorite thing about MNW
While it’s hard to pick just one, I have been struck by the work culture at MNW. It’s a special thing to work with people who all love what they do, which makes for a warm and welcoming environment.

Commitment to ABAR Work
I commit to being a regenerative force in education and supporting the spiritual transformation of the adult through the ABAR goals of self-love, embracing differences, identifying unfairness, and acting justly. I fully believe that examining the intersection of ABAR and DEI work with Montessori Education brings a new level of consciousness that can make the work of the educator a powerful force for healing.

What is a favorite destination?
Hilo, Hawaii

Cats or Dogs?
Dogs, hands down. I have two!

A Hobby?
I am creative by nature, and enjoy many kinds of hand-work: drawing, embroidery, and making Montessori materials are some of my favorites.

Favorite food?
I can’t pick just one, but my recent obsession is Korean BBQ.

Words to live by
As cliche as it may be, “Everything happens for a reason.”  Having this orientation to life has given me the ability to go with the flow, to be flexible and resilient.

PROFESSIONAL BIO
Jess Fraley is the Primary Trainer in Training on the 2023-2024 Portland Academic Year Course. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art from William Paterson University, an M.Ed from Loyola University, and an AMI Primary Diploma. Jess began her work in Montessori education in 2009 and has enjoyed nearly 10 years of classroom experience, first as an assistant in Toddler and Primary classrooms, and then as a lead guide. As part of her experience in Training of Trainers, Jess has enjoyed participating in a year-long pilot program focused on awareness practice. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two children, and beloved dogs, Mike and Mable.