Krista Engler
Classroom Support Personnel
At WES Since: 2023
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that children learn best through intentionally planned, hands-on experiences. By teaching children using that philosophy, I can appeal to their interests, encourage open-ended exploration of materials, promote thinking and problem-solving, and build on the knowledge children already possess.
If you could talk to any person (living or deceased), who would it be and why?
I’d like to talk to Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel. I grew up in New Jersey and my father’s side of the family is from Long Island, so their music has always been a part of my life and reminds me of home. I’m a huge fan of both and I’ve seen them in concert many times!
Bio:
I spent 17 years working at Montgomery Child Care Association as a Program Specialist. During that time, I was responsible for overseeing the curriculum implementation across 15 children care centers serving infants-eleven year olds. My favorite part of the job was visiting all the different classrooms where I supported the teachers and helped the children learn through active exploration. I also briefly worked at Bethesda Elementary as a Kindergarten Paraeducator. My education career started as a counselor at a sleep away camp in Maine because I wanted to give the campers the same incredible experience I had when I attended as a child—I’ve been working with children ever since!
I’m a proud graduate of Skidmore College. I grew up in New Jersey and I’ve lived in Silver Spring since 2003. In my free time, I love spending time with my husband, two sons and friends. My favorite things include planning new travel adventures, discovering unique restaurants, musical theatre and spending my summers on the lake in Maine.
