Our Teachers
Just as a child learns from things that surround them, so teachers must themselves be worthy of a child's imitation. In his "Discussions with Teachers" Dr. Rudolf Steiner once gave the following advice to teachers: "The inner life, the life of the soul, is the most significant aspect in the child...Education occurs, because of what you are, or rather, let's say, what you make of yourself when you are with the children. You must never loose sight of this"
Our teachers strive to bring themselves though constant inner work to a state in which they can truthfully say: There is beauty and purpose in everything. It is though this inner striving in both the physical and inner attitude towards the world, that they earn the respect and authority needed to be worthy of imitation and love.
Elly joined our Team in 2016 as an assistant before graduating and joining us a year later as a teacher. Holding different degrees, including a fine Arts degree, Elly discovered early on in her Advanced Diploma of Steiner Education, that early childhood and its curriculum is where her passions lie. She is passionate about the principles of early childhood, such as the breathing in and out over the day, morning circle, blessings, storytelling, creative play and the daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal rhythms which provide such a supportive environment for the children in the dragonfly room.
Her ongoing commitment to Anthroposophie makes her an expert in the field, with regular study groups and inner development being at the core of her understanding of the role as a teacher. This passion can be felt in the way she holds the children and families of the dragonfly room and a vision for Little Sophia into the future.
When she is not working at Little Sophia, Elly spends her time painting, drawing, ocean swimming and bushwalking.
Claire has gained extensive knowledge through her pedagogical work internationally and in a range of early childhood setting with different approaches and philosophies within Australia. Bringing this understanding of diversity and inclusivity into the setting of Little Sophia, Claire is passionate about Steiner Education since her first encounter through a lecture series as part of her early childhood degree at RMIT University. When she subsequently did her placement at Little Sophia, she recalls feeling immediately “…at home. (The pedagogy)…just made so much sense”. In 2018, after graduation, Claire started working as a casual assistant at Little Sophia before joining the team in the Dragonfly Room permanently as a teacher in 2020.
When not working, Claire likes to read, write and walk. Claire is bringing the practical aspects of Steiner’s Philosophy through creating opportunities for free child-led play, a calm environment and the space and time for the individual development of each child in her care. Her warmth and approachability is felt not only by the children but also in the communication with the families in the Dragonfly room.
Tom started as a Teacher in the Kingfisher room in 2020. Before recognising his passion for teaching, Tom studied a range of subjects, including Law and Environmental Science. After graduation, he taught primary aged children in a Steiner school, gaining experience and knowledge about the Steiner school curriculum and child development. With his joyful and energetic approach to early childhood, Tom brings a passion for Anthroposophy and its application in the early years. He has taken part in the vital years and SEA conferences as part of his professional development.
Astrid started leading the Kingfisher room this year. Not only is she bringing a wealth of experience to the task, but also a wide range and depth of Steiner training in addition to her early childhood degree. She has worked in Australia and overseas as a Kindergarten and Prep teacher, applying her passion and knowledge to help each child along and build strong connections in these vital years. On the days she is not in the kingfisher room with our children, she is teaching the prep class at Sophia Mundi Steiner School just a few steps away.
All of our teachers and educators have a range of skills and accomplishments including Organic Biodynamic cooking, painting, lyre, flute and guitar musicianship, doll making, dancing, craft, puppeteer and masterful storytelling. The ongoing study of Anthroposophie is at the heart of the teacher's understanding of their role in a Steiner Kindergarten, in addition to routine professional development.
Our teachers strive to bring themselves though constant inner work to a state in which they can truthfully say: There is beauty and purpose in everything. It is though this inner striving in both the physical and inner attitude towards the world, that they earn the respect and authority needed to be worthy of imitation and love.
Elly joined our Team in 2016 as an assistant before graduating and joining us a year later as a teacher. Holding different degrees, including a fine Arts degree, Elly discovered early on in her Advanced Diploma of Steiner Education, that early childhood and its curriculum is where her passions lie. She is passionate about the principles of early childhood, such as the breathing in and out over the day, morning circle, blessings, storytelling, creative play and the daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal rhythms which provide such a supportive environment for the children in the dragonfly room.
Her ongoing commitment to Anthroposophie makes her an expert in the field, with regular study groups and inner development being at the core of her understanding of the role as a teacher. This passion can be felt in the way she holds the children and families of the dragonfly room and a vision for Little Sophia into the future.
When she is not working at Little Sophia, Elly spends her time painting, drawing, ocean swimming and bushwalking.
Claire has gained extensive knowledge through her pedagogical work internationally and in a range of early childhood setting with different approaches and philosophies within Australia. Bringing this understanding of diversity and inclusivity into the setting of Little Sophia, Claire is passionate about Steiner Education since her first encounter through a lecture series as part of her early childhood degree at RMIT University. When she subsequently did her placement at Little Sophia, she recalls feeling immediately “…at home. (The pedagogy)…just made so much sense”. In 2018, after graduation, Claire started working as a casual assistant at Little Sophia before joining the team in the Dragonfly Room permanently as a teacher in 2020.
When not working, Claire likes to read, write and walk. Claire is bringing the practical aspects of Steiner’s Philosophy through creating opportunities for free child-led play, a calm environment and the space and time for the individual development of each child in her care. Her warmth and approachability is felt not only by the children but also in the communication with the families in the Dragonfly room.
Tom started as a Teacher in the Kingfisher room in 2020. Before recognising his passion for teaching, Tom studied a range of subjects, including Law and Environmental Science. After graduation, he taught primary aged children in a Steiner school, gaining experience and knowledge about the Steiner school curriculum and child development. With his joyful and energetic approach to early childhood, Tom brings a passion for Anthroposophy and its application in the early years. He has taken part in the vital years and SEA conferences as part of his professional development.
Astrid started leading the Kingfisher room this year. Not only is she bringing a wealth of experience to the task, but also a wide range and depth of Steiner training in addition to her early childhood degree. She has worked in Australia and overseas as a Kindergarten and Prep teacher, applying her passion and knowledge to help each child along and build strong connections in these vital years. On the days she is not in the kingfisher room with our children, she is teaching the prep class at Sophia Mundi Steiner School just a few steps away.
All of our teachers and educators have a range of skills and accomplishments including Organic Biodynamic cooking, painting, lyre, flute and guitar musicianship, doll making, dancing, craft, puppeteer and masterful storytelling. The ongoing study of Anthroposophie is at the heart of the teacher's understanding of their role in a Steiner Kindergarten, in addition to routine professional development.