ABOUT OUR TEACHERS

Teachers at Bell's School have BS or BA degrees in Early Childhood Education or a related field, or an AAS degree in Early Childhood Education. All teachers are supported in continuing education to remain current on the best practices in the field. This ensures our teachers are current on the latest research, findings and data that are ever evolving.

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Annually, each teacher is evaluated using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), developed by the University of Virginia. The system evaluates classroom and teacher/child interactions as well as classroom climate to ensure that the teacher is a secure base for children and the environment is positive.. 

Meet the Team!

  • Jodie Williams

    Meet Jodie, our passionate and creative Pre-K class instructor. Ms. Jodie is a cat-loving artist and avid gardener. She has 13+ years of early childhood education experience, including 8 years at Bell’s School. She enjoys photographing the mountains, going hiking, and kayaking.

  • Monica Swaney

    Introducing Monica, the nurturing and dedicated educator for our 3 and 4-year-old class. She is currently pursuing an AAS in Early Childhood Education at AB Tech, showing a strong commitment to her professional growth. Her enthusiasm and commitment to the development of young minds make her an essential part of our team.

  • Shabnam Rafiq

    Shabnam is the heart of our 2-year-old class, with a CDA Credential and over a decade of experience in early childhood education. Her extensive experience, along with her warm and caring nature, creates a safe and nurturing environment for our youngest learners, setting the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

  • Catherine Lieberman

    Also in the Pre-K class, we are fortunate to have Catherine, a highly experienced Master Teacher and Curricular Coordinator. Shes hold a Bachelor of Arts in Birth to Kindergarten from Western Carolina University and is a certified trainer in the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). With a wealth of knowledge and the ability to create engaging and stimulating learning experiences, she plays a crucial role in preparing our students for the next step in their educational journey.

  • Isabel Taylor

    Our school founder, ‘miss Bell’, brings decades of wisdom and expertise to our institution. With a background in Philosophy and Math from VA Wesleyan College and specialized training in Kindergarten Curriculum from Western Carolina University, she has been the driving force behind our educational philosophy. As the author of "The Michaux Method," a revolutionary philosophy for successful early childhood group care and education, their vision and dedication continue to shape the future of our school.