Meet Stephanie/margaret Hull/beagle of Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie/margaret Hull/beagle

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Margaret and Stephanie have been working together for 5 years. Both have had experience in private, public, and charter schools. They each have over a decade of experience. Along with teaching together, they both obtained their masters together and received MACAR 1 training together (Montessori Applied to Children at Risk), giving them more tools to support children with diverse needs. After building a classroom community they loved, they decided they wanted to bring that same community feel to a school of their own. Montessori schools are typically unaffordable and inaccessible to a multitude of families. They wanted to change that. Their mission is to bring Montessori to all families, regardless of income. Sage Montessori School of Nashville has adopted a tiered tuition model allowing families to pay based on income. Sage also accepts CCAP for families who qualify. Our goal is to provide an inclusive, diverse community that is welcoming to all families.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When Margaret and Stephanie started their journey, they knew there would be obstacles. Perhaps in the beginning they were a little optimistically naive. Although they have had immense support and guidance from the Wildflower Foundation, there were still challenges they could not anticipate. The biggest obstacle has been real estate. Nashville is a very hard market for non-profits and start-ups to get up and running. Buildings/spaces are extremely expensive and not everyone is willing to lease to a childcare facility.

Their main goal is bringing Montessori to all families, which has also not been easy. While Tennessee is making strides to make childcare accessible to all families, it still is a very tedious and long road. We may not be able to change the system, but we can make small steps to ensure there are options for families.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Margaret Beagle
Founding Teacher Leader and Primary Guide
Margaret has experience working in both public and private Montessori programs. She holds a Bachelor’s in Child and Family Studies with a Family Home Visiting Certificate from Western Kentucky University, and a Master’s in Montessori Education from St. Catherine’s University, where her graduate work focused on Montessori and early literacy. She holds a 3-6 Montessori credential from the American Montessori Society and MACAR 1 training (Montessori Applied to Children at Risk), giving her more tools to support learners with diverse needs. She was drawn to Wildflower because she loves the accessibility that public Montessori programs offer communities and the freedom that private programs can offer Montessori educators. Margaret hopes that Sage Montessori School of Nashville will provide a prepared environment designed for children and families to bring their whole selves into their school community.

Stephanie Hull
Founding Teacher Leader and Primary Guide
Stephanie has more than fifteen years of experience as a Montessori guide and administrator. Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Belmont Abbey College and a Master’s degree in Montessori education from Xavier University, where her graduate work focused on Montessori and special education. She holds a 3-6 Montessori credential from the American Montessori Society and MACAR 1 training (Montessori Applied to Children at Risk). She is passionate about creating an environment of belonging for all learners. Stephanie was drawn to the Wildflower model because it empowers her to utilize her business and school administration background while continuing her work in the classroom with children.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Stephanie originally started in business and wanted to work for a professional sports team. She randomly found Montessori when she was looking for a part-time job. After helping as an aftercare teacher, she fell in love with the Montessori method. From then on she became a full-time assistant, which led to her getting her 3-6 (early childhood) credential and officially becoming a lead teacher. Once she had her credential she worked as a lead, co-teacher, and briefly in admin. The classroom has always been her love and where she is the most comfortable. Stephanie is excited to bring her business background to Sage while also being able to remain in the classroom.

Margaret studied child studies in college, and was convinced that she would never work directly with children. That’s until I stepped foot into a Montessori school for the first time. Now, I can’t imagine not working directly with young children every day. One of the reasons I am so grateful for finding Wildflower Schools is that it allows me to grow as a professional and open my dream program, and I get to keep working directly with young children every day.

Pricing:

• Tier 1: 17,500
• Tier 2: 12,000
• Tier 1: 8,200
• CCAP Accepted

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sagemontessoriofnashville.org
• Instagram: sagemontessorinashville
• Facebook: Sage Montessori School of Nashville