The Cottonwood School has specially trained Educational Design Experts for various approaches. These teachers can help you find the perfect fit for you and your child and provide ongoing guidance for your homeschooling.
These educators are here to assist you in discovering the ideal approach for you and your child, as well as to offer continuous support in each philosophy throughout your homeschool journey.
Educational Design Experts have created Looking Libraries in the Lending Library with wonderful resources that support utilizing these different Learning Approaches. Come by the Lending Library to explore them!
Montessori
The Montessori method of education is a type of educational method that involves children’s natural interests and activities rather than formal teaching methods. A Montessori classroom places an emphasis on hands-on learning and developing real-world skills.
Shannan Chanda
Montessori
Shannan began her Montessori journey in elementary school as a Montessori student herself. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and English. Shannan completed her California State teaching credential through National University, and earned her Montessori Elementary 1 Credential from The American Montessori Society. Shannan taught in the classroom at a local Montessori charter school before joining The Cottonwood School.
Unschooling
The Unschooling approach to homeschooling is based around the belief that children control their own education and trusting that they will learn what they need to know. Some call it “Education Outside the Box.”
Carey Shaw
Unschooling
Carey Shaw passionately believes in a holistic approach to education and enjoys working with students and parents, supporting individual student strengths and interests. She began her journey in education 16 years ago in the public system and has served in a variety of roles including Classroom Teacher, Secondary Studio Art Teacher-Ceramics, Independent Study Teacher and a HomeSchool Teacher. She enjoys engaging students in an array of creative learning styles and is knowledgeable in Unschooling.
Julia Bertaina
Charlotte Mason
Julia Bertaina is passionate about education and learning. She completed her credential and Master’s in Education at UCSB. Following her studies, she taught 4th grade before moving to Italy, where she taught at the International Baccalaureate School of Bologna (ISB). Julia began to study the Charlotte Mason philosophy while working at ISB, and fell in love! When her own children were born, she knew that the gentle yet thorough approach that Charlotte Mason adhered to was the way to educate them. She now works as the Charlotte Mason expert, sharing her passion for this philosophy and educating parents and teachers on how to implement these ideas.
julia.bertaina@cottonwoodk12.org
Advanced Learners
In academic settings, advanced learners excel in one or multiple subjects, showcasing a strong academic aptitude. They typically seek challenges to feed their inquisitive minds and may benefit from advanced coursework that caters to their accelerated learning needs. These learners often possess a natural drive for independent exploration and may engage in self-directed learning, pushing the boundaries of their intellectual capabilities.
Rekha Mathew
Advanced Learners
Rekha Mathew draws from her personal journey through advanced learning, along with her background in neuropsychology, and her experience as a homeschool parent and HST to serve advanced learners in her role as an EDE.
She utilizes a holistic, child-centered approach, to support students and their families as they explore the unique challenges and opportunities advanced learning presents.
Waldorf Education
Waldorf Education is based on the writings and philosophy of Rudolph Steiner. Waldorf Education strives to educate the whole child through educating the head, the heart, and the hands. Waldorf students become creative, independent thinkers who can act with a sense of responsibility and compassion.
Catharine Lambert
Waldorf
Catherine is the Waldorf Educational Design Expert for Cottonwood. With more than twenty-five years of experience in education, Catherine strongly believes that education revolves around the individual student. Bolstered by a belief that each child is unique, she loves helping families on their home schooling journey and creating an educational plan that fits to the individual child with their unique set of traits and skills.
Unit Studies
The Unit Studies method of homeschooling, which is sometimes called thematic units or integrated studies, involves creating units of study linking multiple subjects around a common topic or theme instead of teaching subjects independently.
Shannon Carpenter
Unit Studies
Shannon is passionate about the personalized learning approach to education and finding the “right fit” for each child and family in regard to curriculum. She earned her Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction and has created Unit Study Backpacks as a “grab and go” curriculum solution that Cottonwood families can use in their daily lessons covering many subject areas.
Classical
Classical education, a time-honored method of learning spanning centuries, prioritizes the exploration of the liberal arts and humanities. This philosophy has proven its resilience over time, fostering the development of some of the most influential thinkers and leaders in history. Organizing education around a child’s developmental stages, classical education stokes a passion for critical thinking, beauty, order, and truth because it sets the habit of asking relevant questions.
Callie Johnson
Classical
Callie Johnson has homeschooled her three daughters classically for over a decade. Additionally, she has participated and tutored in Classical coops as well as supporting classical families outside of their chosen coops.
Although she had no idea what she was getting into all those years ago, it has been one of the most fulfilling ventures of her life!
callie.johnson@cottonwoodk12.org