My name is Maria Staman, and I began teaching in 2011 after years of being a case worker then a stay-at-home mom. I earned a B.A. from Bloomsburg University in Sociology and Criminal Justice, an M.Ed. from Concordia University in Curriculum and Instruction, and a M.A.T. from RELAY Graduate School of Education in Elementary Education. I am certified through the State of Delaware to teach Early Childhood, Montessori, and Elementary School K-6th grade.
I met my wonderful husband in college, and we have been blessed with three children. We moved to Newark, DE, in 2006, after living in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Texas, and consider Delaware home. I love to travel, hike, and visit eclectic coffee shops when I'm not teaching. During the summer, you can find me poolside with a book in hand or walking our dog in White Clay Creek state park.
I integrate several teaching methodologies in my classroom (such as Project-Based Learning, Montessori, Daily 5, Responsive Classroom, Mindfulness, and Reggio-Emilia.) Throughout my teaching tenure, I have written numerous curriculums and feel that it is important to be flexible and adapt to each child in my classroom. I believe that children learn best through hands-on opportunities and choices. When they have a vested interest in what they are learning, students tend to do their very best!
I look forward to sharing the year with you and your 4th-grade child.