Coming Full Circle: From Student to Teacher at Foothills Montessori School
When you walk into Foothills Montessori School in Henderson, Nevada, you might see teacher Jenna Cody guiding a classroom of curious elementary school students. What makes her story especially meaningful is that, not long ago, she sat in those very same seats. A former Foothills student herself, Jenna’s journey has come full circle as she returns to the school not only as an educator but also as a living example of the lifelong impact of Montessori learning.
“I started at Foothills Montessori School when I was three years old and attended continuously for 11 years, from 2005 to 2016,” Jenna recalls. “The teachers felt like extended family, creating a nurturing and safe environment where I truly felt guided and supported in my educational journey.”
Jenna vividly remembers the hands-on, interactive nature of her Montessori education. Activities like dissections and classroom simulations made the lessons memorable and helped her connect deeply with her studies. But beyond academics, what stayed with her was the sense of belonging. Foothills Montessori was not just a school; it was a community.
Discovering a Passion for Teaching
Her connection to Foothills continued after graduation. In 2018, Jenna began working in the aftercare program, a decision that became the spark for her career in education.
“I was initially drawn to FMS because I had attended the school as a child and wanted to reconnect with a community that had such a positive impact on me,” she said. “In the aftercare program, I enjoyed guiding and supporting students with their homework and witnessing their moments of discovery and insight. Those experiences sparked a passion for education and helped me realize how rewarding it is to be part of a child’s learning journey.”
A Philosophy Rooted in Her Own Experience
As a teacher, Jenna brings with her the perspective of someone who has been on both sides of the classroom at Foothills Montessori.
“I experienced firsthand how impactful it is when a teacher truly guides and supports each child on their own unique journey,” she says. “I carry this perspective into my teaching by meeting students where they are. My goal is to create a classroom environment where each child feels empowered to progress at their own pace.”
Coming Home to Teach
For Jenna, returning to Foothills as an educator is deeply personal.
“Coming full circle, from student to teacher, at FMS has been incredibly meaningful,” she reflects. “It is a privilege to be part of a community that values the whole child and promotes lifelong learning. I feel honored to give back to the school that helped shape who I am and to guide and support the next generation of learners in the same intentional and thoughtful way.”
Jenna Cody’s story illustrates the power of Montessori education to inspire not just students but future educators as well. Her journey from child to teacher within the same community underscores the values of curiosity, care, and lifelong learning that define Foothills Montessori School.