Staff Spotlight-Meet Janelle J

Meet Janelle Joy, our passionate Cycle 4 Advisor and Maths and Textiles Teacher for Cycles 4 and 5. Now in her second year at MMC, Janelle brings a mix of creativity, empathy and enthusiasm to her teaching. She has a background in casual relief teaching across primary and secondary settings and values the strong, authentic connections that are formed within the Montessori environment. Whether it’s hiking alongside students, guiding them through intricate textiles projects, or sharing her love of storytelling through Dungeons and Dragons, Janelle is deeply committed to fostering curiosity, independence and joy in learning.

We spent five minutes chatting with her…

Full Name:  Janelle Joy

Position: Cycle 4 Advisor, Maths and Textiles Teacher for Cycles 4 and 5

How long have you been at MMC?

This is my second year.

Where were you working before?

I used to be a casual relief teacher and taught at primary and secondary schools.

What do you love about working at MMC?

I love the teacher-student relationship at MMC. It is amazing to see students come up to you and talk about their life.

What inspires you as a Montessori educator and team member?

I’m inspired by building strong relationships with students and collaborating with other teachers. I love it when students share their ideas about what they want to learn, or express their passions.

What is your most memorable teaching moment, or moment working in a school?

Hiking with Cycle 4 students last year was an incredible experience! The hike was challenging, but we all pushed through. I really enjoyed connecting with the students and getting to know them better.

What’s your most memorable moment as a school student?

I loved being part of the school choir in high school. Staying after school to practice, check costumes, and simply hang out with my friends made it all so memorable.

What are five interesting things about you that we may not know?

1.      I was born and raised in Dubai and my family is from India.

2.      I play Dungeons and Dragons every week with friends.

3.      I have a fear of butterflies.

4.      I enjoy going to the gym and focus on weight training.

5.      I love Lilo and Stitch. It is one of my comfort films.

What does your weekend look like?   

On Saturdays, I play badminton, grab coffee and play video games. Sundays are my time to unwind. I like to relax, spend time with friends and enjoy movie nights.

What is your favourite Maria Montessori quote and why?

Education is not what the teacher gives, education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual by his experiences upon the environment.

Maria Montessori

I love this quote because as teachers, our role isn’t to simply provide students with all the answers. Instead, we create an environment and cultivate a space that inspires curiosity and fuels their passion for learning. When I teach textiles, the room is filled with fabrics, yarns and tools and this allows students to explore, experiment and develop their own ideas. They take ownership of their learning by choosing the patterns and projects that spark their interest.