Josselyn, Director of Berkeley Campus

Josselyn, Director of Berkeley Campus

Director of Berkeley Campus

I have over ten years of professional experience in working with children. I discovered my passion for teaching during my senior year at the University of San Francisco. I remember being in my Sociology of Education class and thinking, why didn’t I choose this career before? Needless to say, I graduated with a BA in Sociology, and began to take ECE courses shortly after graduating. I began working with kindergarten students in an after-school program with the YMCA and then was given the opportunity to work for a new preschool with the same program. In my most recent work, I explored teaching in Spanish for the first time in a Spanish immersion school.

Throughout my teaching career, I have learned that Reggio-Emilia and play based philosophy resonates with me because of the learning environment. One memory that I hold close to me, is of a student who found a snail in our garden. This student then began calling all of her friends and soon the whole class was observing the snail. Many questions were asked. I decided to take this learning opportunity by writing down their questions and soon we began an investigation of snails. When the student who found the snail graduated, she told everyone “when I grow up, I want to be snail hunter.” It is these moments that make teaching worthwhile.

I was born and raised in San Francisco, but my parents are from El Salvador. I grew up with my extended family and value spending quality time with them. Learning Spanish at a young age, brought me closer to my Salvadorian roots. When I’m not teaching you will find me dancing, traveling, finding new spots to eat, and going to the beach. I am blessed to share these adventures with my husband Douglas and son Dominic who is a current student at Berkeley Little School.

Being a part of the Berkeley Little School community has been a rewarding experience! It is important for me to work in a nurturing and loving environment where children can learn and experience new challenges that will help build their confidence. I strive to create a positive school environment where children, teachers, and families feel safe and valued.