Jensen Douglas

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Murray State University with a BFA in Printmaking and K-12 certification in Fine Arts and Humanities. I currently hold teaching certificates in both KY and IN. I am also working toward finishing my MEd with a P-12 Reading Endorsement through the University of Louisville. My career began with teaching in public elementary and secondary classrooms. I started working at Chance School two years ago and have been able to spend time in almost every classroom and level here. However, the majority of my time was spent teaching in one of our K/1 classrooms. Some of my other professional experiences include providing after school tutoring for K-12 grade children living in a group home and serving as a workshop leader, presenter, and facilitator at numerous state professional meetings and teacher conferences in both Kentucky and Indiana. The opportunity arose to teach preschool this year, and I am excited to start my 14th year of teaching with a new adventure in the 3s program here at Virginia Chance School. 

I started my education journey immersed in the world of Montessori. I feel very fortunate to have the Montessori foundation for not only my personal experience as a child but also for how it has shaped my outlook and philosophy of education in my adult life. Teaching is my true passion. I believe children must be allowed to build independence and confidence through a safe and trusting relationship with their parents, teachers, peers, and environment. At Chance School, we value students having a voice and provide ample opportunities for them to explore their interests in deep and meaningful ways. We believe in following their lead by careful observation of what they choose to explore during our independent free-play and centers times. These observations help shape our curriculum.

I was introduced to Virginia Chance School when my daughter, Leona, was four, and I was beyond thrilled to see the unique whole-child centered approach to education focusing on nature, community, and compassion throughout the school and beautiful campus. My daughter is now a 2nd grader at Virginia Chance School, and I could not imagine her being anywhere else. I knew when I toured that this is where I wanted both of us to be.

During my time outside of school, I enjoy traveling, working in my yard, eating great food (plenty of that in Louisville), and spending time with my daughter Leona, my husband Branden, and my Mom, Camille (Leona’s Gramille). We also have two cats, Miso Cupcake and Lil’ Floof, that keep us entertained with their crazy cat antics!