OUR TEACHERS

Jamae (she/her/they) - Director
Favorite teaching tools:
Listening - I'd much rather get things out of kids than put things in.  Listening to their ideas, their worries, their fears, their questions lets me know them in a deep way.  And then it's easier to meet their needs.

Playlistening -  The big body movements and laughter that often come during Playlistening help build connection, ease tensions and dissolve power struggles.  The best part is that Playlistening can be used with one child or multiple children at once.  Plus, it's fun. It's a Sunset favorite.

Three words to describe why you are here at Sunset: 
Connection, community, and impact

What about teaching at Sunset brings you joy?
So many things! But the deepest joy comes from watching kids be kids. I get to watch them build, climb, make messes, make mistakes, dress up, dance, sing, practice friendship, have conflict, cry, tantrum, adapt and play some more.  Being in a school that supports the whole child brings me not only joy, but healing.

When did you join the Sunset Coop community?
I joined Sunset as a parent in 2005.  I became a teacher in 2015, when my third child was in pre-k.  I have been the Director since 2016.

Jackie (she/her)
Favorite teaching tools:
My favorite thing is to make a child feel seen. Seeing their eyes light up when we make a connection and they realize that I understand or that I get them. 

Three words to describe why you are here at Sunset:
Best Place on Earth (had to use 4!)

How many years have you been a part of the Sunset Coop community?  
26 years- 7 as a parent, the rest as a teacher

Johanna (she/her)
Favorite teaching tools:
Leaning into all the feelings, the big, little, hard, mad, sad and everything in between, staying present without judgment to connect and co-regulate. 

Playlistening where you playfully reverse the power dynamics in the adult child relationship by playing the "don't you even think about kicking my tree or don't steal my favorite toy" game. Of course the kid gets to break the rule and while I feign shock and horror, they squeal of laughter. 

Three words to describe why you are here at Sunset: 
Community, fun, creativity and the other amazing teachers :) 

What about teaching at Sunset brings you joy? 
Watching not just the kids but their whole family learn, grow, find connection, joy and support in this wonderful community is such a beautiful thing to witness and be part of. Also the kids are of course hilarious. 

When did you join the Sunset Coop community?  
I have been part of the sunset community since 2001!  Over half my life now – crazy. I worked as a teacher here when I was 20, when my dad's youngest children also went to sunset. I often came to SF from Ireland during the summer and would sub at sunset. I started working again as a teacher when my oldest daughter (who is now 13) was three years old.

April (they/she)
Favorite teaching tools:
Stay-Listening, I love a good ol cry – helping a child move through those feelings in a safe and supportive way. 
Telling stories - whether it be from a book or one that we make up and create on our own! Letting the imagination run wild is my favorite type of play and has no boundaries. They say that all the world’s a stage so lets dance and sing everywhere!

3 words to describe why you are here at Sunset
Community, Joy, Adventure

What about teaching at Sunset brings you joy?
I get so much joy from seeing this community of parents and children thrive in a safe and playful environment! 

When did you join the Sunset Coop community?  
Starting during the height of a pandemic in 2020! But have been in the community for several years now, including as a circus performer at a past fundraiser!

Tine (she/her)
What are your favorite teaching tools?
I love the “connect before you correct” when possible. It makes things so much easier.
Also trying not to assume why a child acts a certain way but to ask questions and really listen to what is being said.
And of course making room for/ embracing tears.

3 words to describe why you are here at Sunset: 
The kids (technically two words),  community and philosophy.
What I really want to say is “this is where my heart is” but that is way too many words.

What about teaching at Sunset brings you joy?
The interactions with both kids and adults. And also the space and the yard is amazing. And I feel like I learn something new everyday and that is always fun.

When did you join the Sunset Coop community? 
I joined as a parent in 2006 and never really left.

Rhaetia (she/her)
Favorite teaching tool:
I love to use humor to help build connection with kids in play. (This leads to greater trust in play or stay listening for kids when they are experiencing big emotions.)

Three words to describe why you are here at Sunset? 
Connection, creativity, community

Um…and…Love. Curiosity. Witness. Magic. Music.
(When you say, “three words”, that’s sort of like a guideline, right? ;) Emotion. Growth. Discovery. Play. Honesty. Hilarity. Listening…)

What about Sunset brings you joy?
The people bring me joy…. the laughter, the tears and witnessing the moments of self discovery/reflection (for kids, parents, staff, and for ME!) No matter the parenting technique or “method of the day”, offering self reflection as a means of change is an opportunity to help raise healthier families! I love the spirit of learning as a community.  All of this authentic and necessary reflection and professional/personal development makes working at Sunset more of a joy than a “job”.

When did you join the Sunset Community?
I was excited to join as a parent in 2011.  Except for online time with my own kids during COVID - fall of 2020/Spring 2021 - I have been teaching at Sunset since 2017.

Kelly (she/her) 
What are your favorite teaching tools?
Playlistening: I love games that playfully give kids the power, like "whatever you do, don't...", and "slippery fish" (I just can't catch you, you're too slippery for me!), and, of course, being poisoned at the playdough table!

Connection: I love connecting with kids by asking them questions and just actively listening to what they have to say, and sitting with them and looking with them at their photo books full of pictures of family and friends. 

3 words to describe why you are here at Sunset:
Community, love, connection

What about teaching at Sunset brings you joy?
When my two kids attended Sunset, the teachers were such a loving and joyful presence in our family's life. To be able to provide that to families now as a teacher feels so good! Also, I absolutely love playing with the kids. Making conversation with them and seeing their curiosity, wit, and passion all bring me joy. 

When did you join the Sunset Coop community?
In 2016- for five years as a parent, then as a teacher