Hello!  My name is James Emperor and I am a Montessori Teacher at GRM!  I simply love my work and my students!  I received my original teaching certification in 2002 from Aquinas College.  My degrees are in Psychology, History and Japanese language. I live in the Grand Rapids area with my wife and 16-year-old son.  We are a very active family and always on the go!  When I am not teaching, I love to spend time with them.  I enjoy coaching my son in baseball, tennis, soccer, and almost any other sport you can think of!  We are also a very musical family and play many instruments. I enjoy watching movies or a basketball game with my wife and son while quietly learning a new song on my acoustic guitar! I believe it is these little things in life that model for our children what happiness truly is.

In my career as an educator, I started off teaching in a traditional classroom.  During that time, I noticed that something was missing at my school.  I recognized the individual needs of each child were not always being met by the classical teaching institution.  As a traditional teacher, I found it was always essential to observe and know my students.  I was constantly taking notes which helped me to differentiate my lessons to meet their needs. I also recognized that students must feel safe and happy in their 2nd home. My approach was, and still is, to teach and model peace and love first which helps to build a classroom community where the kids can confidently explore and learn.

During my graduate studies, I was introduced to Maria Montessori’s method of teaching.  I noticed how similar it was to my beliefs and ideas.  At the time, I did not realize that there was a teaching method so closely related to my belief that you must let your students lead you in the educational process. The Montessori approach of “following the child” is a successful and proven method based on years of research.  Each student is different, and that has always been recognized in my class.  

When a position opened at Grand Rapids Montessori Academy, I applied immediately!  I have never been happier in my work!  I say this because the Montessori method is based on having children learn by doing.  I strongly believe in this ideology.  I have studied many educational approaches, but I feel I have truly found a home with Montessori. Children are by nature, curious and always exploring the world around them.  This is a tool that I am now able to use much more effectively in my class.  Maria Montessori’s approach allows my children to become successful individuals in whatever they do later in life!  My students do more than just sit in the classroom.  We take part in Immerse programs at the Grand Rapids Public Museum where we learn about our City’s rich history.  We also attend the John Ball Zoo Lab and work along with organizations, such as Groundswell where we educate for the watershed.  This hands-on environmental learning approach is necessary to teach our students the stewardship that is necessary for our community. When my students move on from my classroom, I am confident that they will be ready to make a better world!

Montessori is family! I first came to Grand Rapids Montessori as a parent when my son was a three-year-old in our Children’s House, and I am now a proud mom of a 2020 Montessori graduate! As a parent I saw first hand the benefits of Montessori for my child and wanted to become a Montessori teacher to help share this unique philosophy that emphasizes respect, independence and an inclusive, whole world view with other children.

I began my teaching career in 2008 as an assistant teacher in our Children's House while I got my Montessori Children's House certification and teaching degree from Aquinas College. A few years later, I became Montessori certified in E1 and E2 and have taught in our Upper Elementary ever since. 

As a Montessori teacher and parent, I completely embrace the philosophy, and believe in its effectiveness in educating the whole child. I also believe in a public Montessori education. We have a wonderfully unique and diverse community; something I cherish!

I also cherish being outdoors. I love working in our classroom and outside in our outdoor classroom! At home I enjoy family time, and time outside in nature- walking my dogs, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, gardening and cooking too! 

I began my Montessori experience as a parent when my son joined Ottawa Montessori (GRPS) as a 3 year old. My only previous understanding of the Montessori philosophy was through a college course that I had taken years earlier. Having my son enrolled in that school sparked the flame for me that directly led to my completing my teaching certificate at Aquinas College with a Masters in Education. Through a combination of luck and good fortune, I eventually was hired as a paraprofessional in Children’s House and later as a teacher at E1 (1/2/3) and E2 (4/5/6). During my first few years of teaching in our Montessori programs, I was able to complete my Children’s House training, E1, and E2 training to become a certified Montessori Teacher at all three of these levels. I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to teach at each of these levels during my 20+ years in our Montessori program. Each level holds its own challenges and excitements, as a child’s growth and development unfolds in its own unique way. I truly believe that the Montessori scope and sequence of materials, combined with the teaching philosophy is a masterly thought-out plan to meet the developmental needs of all students. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work in this wonderful school with supportive families, administrators and staff.