As the children move toward adolescence, big picture goals keep this stage of development at the center. Helping students learn to set goals, self plan, manage time, and resolve conflicts appropriately are areas of particular focus.
Children in this age range are very social. The students frequently choose to work together on projects, research, presentations, creative writing, and other lessons. Having the freedom to make authentic choices keeps their thirst for knowledge alive and nurtures life-long learning. We operate within multi-age environments (6-9 and 9-12).
The multi-age groupings foster patience, humbleness and the opportunity to teach the skills they have mastered to others. It also allows students to form a true bond with their teachers and classmates. The students in our elementary environments are encouraged to be themselves and appreciate the uniqueness in themselves and others.
About me coming soon!
Hi my name is Blane Sullivan and I very much enjoy the opportunity to be an assistant teacher in the Lower Oak classrooms. My background is a Bachelors degree in Christian doctrine of theology focused in Youth ministry at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I was a Youth intern at my church back in middle Tennessee where I grew up leading worship and overseeing church missions and ministries. During my Senior year of High School and Freshman and Sophomore year of college Basketball was a huge part of my calling to help reach some of my friends and the younger Youth that needed a safe space and a good second option to choose over a bad decision. It led me to have the opportunity to witness and share my testimony with others and grow in my own walk as well.
While beginning marriage and starting a life around the Chattanooga area with my lovely wife, I took a job as head Youth Pastor at Center Grove Baptist Church in Rock Springs, Georgia. Here my wife and I discipled 30-40 Youth twice weekly while leading worship and doing various ministries and outreaches for the community with our kids. We also had the opportunity to take them and lead youth camps as well. My time here was such a wonderful experience and growth opportunity for my wife and I both.
During this season of life I have the opportunity and desire to make a lasting impact in children’s lives, with the expectation that I can show them to choose love and kindness daily while they blossom academically at a fascinating rate at the Montessori School of Cleveland. My time here has been such a learning experience and growth for me to take and apply for my own family as well. I strive to be their teacher for education and life skills, but also to be their best friend and someone they can count on.
I am blessed and grateful to be a part of this teaching journey and proud to hold a small piece to the endless growing puzzle of the Cleveland Montessorti community :)
I received my Bachelor’s of Science in elementary education from Lee University. Prior to coming to the Montessori School of Cleveland, I taught for 12 years in Hamilton County Schools.
I believe in Montessori because it allows for true individualization for each student. Every child is able to get what they need. The focus on the whole child, not just academics, is another reason I was drawn to the Montessori approach. I believe in the community that Montessori promotes.
I earned my Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Tennessee and my Bachelors in English from Lee University.
I taught in the library of a K-5 school before staying home with my son. After being home with him for 10 months, I began working with the primary classes at MSoC in October 2021 before moving to Upper Elementary in 2025.
I believe in Montessori because I feel that it fosters a sense of responsibility and independence within the child, as well as motivates them to be in charge of their learning.
