K/1 Program
kbarnes@djusd.net
Hello, my name is Kathy Barnes and I teach second and third grade Montessori at Birch Lane Elementary School. I feel fortunate to get to work with truly talented coworkers and a wonderful group of students and families!
Maria Montessori rooted her Cosmic Education in stories. So, here is a little bit of my story. I was born in Oakland and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. I grew up in a house full of laughter and love with two older brothers and a younger sister.
I came to Davis to earn a BS in Environmental Design at UC Davis. After graduation I worked professionally as a graphic designer for many years. After I had children, I transitioned to working from home, then, to working part-time and volunteering in my kids’ classrooms and schools. Both of my children attended the Montessori program at Birch Lane from K through 6th grade. I experienced the full scope of the program from a parent’s perspective. I was (and am) inspired by Montessori’s philosophy of child-led, hands-on, whole-person education. Well, both of my children are in college now, and I am back in elementary school.
I loved being in the classroom, and so, in 2014, I started working as a reading para-educator. I worked at three different schools in many different classrooms. While working, I went back to school and earned my teaching credential from William Jessup University in Dec. 2019. I also began my Lower Elementary Montessori credential through the Montessori Training Center in Shingle Springs. In January of 2020, I was thrilled to start teaching my own class at Birch Lane. My first few years of teaching have been exciting, challenging, and full of surprises and new experiences.
Outside of work, I am fortunate to be Mom to my dear children, Nicole and Alex. I am also an artist and a lifelong learner who enjoys reading, nature, traveling, camping, anything in the arts, and spending time with my family, friends and my dog, Molly.
I am grateful to be teaching in the community that is Birch Lane and I look forward to discovering what lessons each new day brings.