Hayes hired as director of The Montessori School of Fort Smith

The Board of Directors of The Montessori School of Fort Smith has named Jessica Hayes as director of the school effective May 5, 2014.

“We are thrilled to have Jessica lead the school moving forward,” said Scott Branton, Board president. “She brings a skill set to this position that will allow the school to keep its focus on education, but also plan for strategic growth – in terms of both our educational offerings and the school’s role in the community.”

Since 2008, Hayes served as the vice-president of Operations for the U.S. Marshals Museum.

“In a lot of ways, my work at the U.S. Marshals Museum played a key role in my love of Montessori education. As I’ve learned more and more about traditional classrooms, my appreciation for the opportunities offered in a Montessori classroom has grown tremendously.”

Montessori education was developed by Italian physician, Dr. Maria Montessori in 1907 when she opened Casa dei Bambini or The Children’s House. A child-centered approach to developing the whole child – physical, social, emotional, and cognitive, Montessori classrooms provide opportunities not found in a traditional classroom, according to the Montessori statement.

The Montessori School of Fort Smith has been open more than 40 years. The Montessori School of Fort Smith enrolls students ages 3 years to 6th grade. For more information about the school, call (479) 646-7225.