Staff

Theresa Cross, Lead Teacher, Primary Classroom

Theresa Cross is the Lead Teacher for our Primary Classroom. In addition to her Montessori training, she has a B.A. in Classics from the University of Dallas. Shortly before graduating, Theresa had a chance encounter with a Montessori teacher and afterwards fell immediately into reading anything and everything about Montessori education as it all felt written just for her. She began my teacher training at a wonderfully led program in Dallas accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS). She found in AMS an enlightened and enthusiastic community of educators, just like her, equally dedicated to children. After Theresa's coursework and practicum, she had the good fortune to work alongside a mentor and teacher at her own school in Dallas. She is excited to bring to the South Loop Montessori School community what she gained in collaboration with her mentor. Theresa's goal is to have her classroom be an environment that truly provides the children their keys to learning about the world!

Alice El-Jamal, Lead Teacher, Pre-Primary Classroom

Alice is the lead teacher for our Pre-Primary Classroom. Born in Dallas, Texas, Alice El-Jamal began her career as an Assistant Teacher in the Early Childhood Center at Concordia University in 2006. It was here that the influence of the environment on the young child was made evident. Further, she had the opportunity to help create an environment that reflected the needs of the child as much as possible. Shortly after, she encountered a Montessori teacher in graduate school. After collaboration with several Montessori professionals she began her studies at the Seton Montessori Institute. In addition to her American Montessori Society certification from SMI, she recently received a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University. Alice's other interests include traveling, yoga, reading and volunteering with HOPE worldwide. Over the past 10+ years, she has served as a mentor for various young adults. At South Loop Montessori School, she hopes to support an environment that promotes a love and respect for self, others and creation.