Jensen Douglas

Jensen Douglas brings a deep understanding of early childhood, a strong arts background, and a long-standing connection to Virginia Chance School to her work in the Preschool program.

 

Jensen graduated Magna Cum Laude from Murray State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking and K-12 certification in Fine Arts and Humanities. She currently holds teaching certificates in both Kentucky and Indiana. Her teaching career began in public elementary and secondary classrooms, and she has also provided after-school tutoring for K-12 students living in a group home. In addition, Jensen has served as a workshop leader, presenter, and facilitator at numerous state professional meetings and teacher conferences in both Kentucky and Indiana.

 

Jensen began working at Virginia Chance School nine years ago and has had the opportunity to spend time in nearly every classroom and level across the school. Her early years at Chance included teaching in one of the K/1 classrooms, followed by several years in the 3s program and a year in Pre-K. As she enters her 20th year of teaching, Jensen is grateful to continue her work with young children in the 3s, where she brings experience, creativity, warmth, and a deep respect for early childhood development.

 

Jensen’s own educational journey began in a Montessori environment, an experience that continues to shape her teaching philosophy. She feels fortunate to have had that foundation as a child and sees its influence in the way she approaches children, classroom environments, independence, and meaningful learning. She believes children grow best when they are supported by safe, trusting relationships with parents, teachers, peers, and the world around them.

 

In the classroom, Jensen values independence, confidence, curiosity, and connection. She believes young children should have a voice in their learning and opportunities to explore their interests in deep and meaningful ways. At Chance, she carefully observes what children choose to investigate during free play, center time, and daily exploration, using those observations to help shape curriculum and create learning experiences that are responsive, intentional, and developmentally meaningful.

 

Jensen was first introduced to Virginia Chance School when her daughter, Leona, was four years old. From her first tour, she was drawn to Chance’s whole-child-centered approach, beautiful outdoor campus, and emphasis on nature, community, and social-emotional learning. She knew quickly that Chance was where she wanted both herself and her daughter to be. Leona has since graduated from Chance and is thriving in middle school, and Jensen remains deeply proud of the strong, capable young person she has become.

 

For Jensen, Chance is a place where children are known, trusted, and encouraged to grow at their own pace while developing the confidence to explore, create, problem-solve, and build relationships. She loves seeing young children discover their own capabilities and believes the early years are a powerful time to nurture curiosity, independence, empathy, and joy.

 

Outside of school, Jensen enjoys traveling, working in her yard, eating great food around Louisville, reading, and spending time with her daughter Leona, her husband Branden, and her mom, Camille — lovingly known as Leona’s “Gramille.” Her family also shares their home with five cats: Miso, Lil’ Floof, Mai Tai, Scribbles, and Sketch, who keep everyone entertained with their daily antics.