Debbie Genung
I have been teaching since I was 16 years old. I taught swimming since earning my Junior and then Senior Life Guard certification and later WSI (water safety instructor). To this day, I still give private swim lessons from May to September.
After I graduated early (3 1/2 years) from Fontbonne, I taught French at Countryside Montessori in St. Louis. I fell in love with the Montessori method and when I moved to Cincinnati as a new bride, I became certified as a Montessori 3 - 6 preschool teacher. The M. Ed was a bonus.
We moved back to St. Louis and I taught at Forsyth School and then Sherwood Montessori where I taught up until 18 hours before my first child was born. I then had 3 more children in the next 5 years and was a stay-at-home mom until our youngest went off to Montessori preschool.
I did not return to teaching as I wanted total flexibility. I helped my husband with our family business until I decided I needed more. I entered the field of nonprofit development as Director of Development at FOCUS St. Louis. I retired in 2020 having served as the Senior Director of Development at the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition for 15 years.
I have always loved being with children. Teaching them to swim is my "happy place". I need to keep busy in the winter which is why I sub at New City School. When I began there, two of my grandchildren were students there.
Work History
Substitute Teacher
1 Year 11 MonthsI substitute teach in the preschool and up to 1st grade. My responsibilities included:
- greeting children upon arrival
- supervising independent learning activities
- supervising lunch and playground
- helping children prepare for nap time - putting on PullUps if needed, setting up cots with their pillows and blankets, back rubbing and soothing, etc.
- reading aloud to group, singing with group
- helping with dismissal and straightening up room
Lead Teacher
11 Months- Almost all the same duties as at Forsyth School except the equipment and environment was already in place.
I taught until 18 hours before my first child was born.
Lead Teacher
2 Years- Designed a completely new Montessori preschool program from scratch. This involved ordering Montessori equipment, laying out learning areas, building shelving units, and more.
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with Montessori principles.
- Mentored assistant teachers, fostering professional growth and enhancing classroom environments.
- Assessed student progress using observational techniques.
- Coordinated classroom activities, ensuring an organized and nurturing learning atmosphere.
- Hired and trained staff on Montessori materials and teaching methods to promote consistency.
- Conducted parent education evenings to teach the parents about the Montessori method and how they could implement it at home.
- Communicated frequently with parents about student progress to boost family involvement and enhance student support.
Lead Teacher
1 Year 10 Months- Designed and implemented engaging lessons aligned with Montessori principles.
- Created new and engaging didactic materials, ie., matching, sorting, spooning, sewing, counting, etc. activities.
- Maintained the Montessori didactic materials and the classroom to create an inviting, child-oriented learning environment
- Facilitated parent-teacher conferences to strengthen communication and support child development.
- Assessed student progress using observational techniques.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - French
Master of Arts - Montessori Certification
The Masters of Education at Xavier University included certification in Montessori 3 - 6 education.
Skills
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
Xavier University
Fontbonne University
Awards:
Awards:
Founders Award - Fontbonne University
Drue Lane Webster Award - Junior League of St. Louis
Board of Directors Award - Junior League of St. Louis
Volunteer of the Year Award - Komen St. Louis