Early Childhood Executive Director

Jamilla Jones

** ***** **. ***********, **., ****8

413-***-**** ****************@*****.***

Professional Summary

Dedicated and dynamic educator with over two decades of experience in early childhood, elementary, and secondary education. Proven expertise in fostering hands-on, inquiry-based learning environments through Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and project-based approaches. Skilled in leadership, curriculum development, and community engagement. Passionate about reconnecting children to nature, agriculture, and self-directed learning to nurture their curiosity and independence.

Professional Experience

Founder and Executive Director

Generational Seeds Inc. – Springfield, MA 2023–Present

●Established a nonprofit learning center for ages 5–12, offering equitable, self-directed education with an emphasis on hands-on learning, agriculture, literacy, and environmental stewardship.

●Designed and implemented place-based curricula that integrated arts, culinary skills, and environmental education.

●Built community partnerships to promote access to nature and self-directed education for BIPOC families.

Executive Director

Nature-Based Organization – Springfield, MA 2021–2023

●Led an initiative to connect BIPOC children to nature and agriculture through experiential learning programs.

●Managed program development, staff training, and community outreach to support equitable access to nature-based education.

Middle and High School Teacher

City of Holyoke and Springfield – Holyoke and Springfield, MA 2005–2021

●Taught English and Social Justice Literacy, integrating project-based learning to connect students with real-world issues.

●Developed interdisciplinary curricula that fostered critical thinking, collaboration, and social awareness among students.

●Trained educators and presented at national conferences on project-based learning and equity in education.

Early Childhood Teacher

Gan Keshet Preschool – Northampton, MA 1997–2003

●Created a nurturing classroom environment using Montessori and Reggio Emilia techniques, emphasizing play, exploration, and child-led learning.

●Designed and implemented developmentally appropriate activities to foster creativity, social-emotional growth, and early literacy skills.

Kindergarten Teacher

Freedman Elementary, City of Springfield – Springfield, MA 2003–2004

●Developed engaging, play-based learning experiences for young learners to support foundational skills in literacy and numeracy.

●Collaborated with families and colleagues to create a supportive, inclusive learning environment.

2nd Grade Teacher

Liberty School – Springfield, MA 2004–2005

●Designed differentiated instruction plans to meet diverse student needs, emphasizing creativity and inquiry-based learning.

●Fostered a strong sense of community and curiosity in the classroom through thematic units and hands-on activities.

Education

Bachelors of Science with Concentrations in Early Childhood and Elementary Education – Springfield College, Springfield MA.

MEd in Foundations of Education: Self-Designed Study-Antioch University New England Present

Licensure

Early Childhood PreK-3

Elementary 1-6

English -5-8

English 8-12

Administration 5-12

Skills

●Montessori and Reggio Emilia Methods

●Project-Based Learning and Curriculum Development

●Literacy and Social Justice Education

●Leadership and Community Engagement

●Nature-Based Education and Environmental Stewardship

●Classroom Management and Differentiated Instruction

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