Mountain Mama :: Nancy Swan
I am pleased to feature this amazing Mom/Grandma who I met a few years ago when I enrolled my younger daughter at a brand new Waldorf school I had just heard about : Five Valleys Waldorf. Nancy Swan was the lead teacher and co-owner along with Joanna Smetanka of Missoula. I got to know Nancy over the two years my daughter attended. I witnessed her wholesome and fluent nature, her unending patience, and dedication to letting kids experience and participate "hands on". I asked her a few questions I'd like to share with you.
EMP: I think of you as a “seeker” based on the conversations we’ve had and all I’ve learned about you and your various interests. I’m inspired by the different professions you’ve mastered, then using those skills, moving to a completely different profession bringing with you those “gifts” you’ve acquired. You are a musician, singer, and an accomplished baker. Can you give a synopsis of the journey of these passions you have sought out in your life?
You are a gifted early educator and I’m curious to find out what paths led you to Waldorf, and to early education, in general?
What is your secret to happiness?
NS: I first remember wanting to be a teacher at 8 years old. By my early teens I thought I would teach History. By high school I was deeply disillusioned with my experience of school and felt a drive to contribute to education reform. It has been a life long study of those who have come before me (Maria Montessori, Rudolph Stiener, Dewy, Piaget, Alfie Kohn and many many who are not as well known) I began my love with early childhood when I started volunteering at the first Head Start program that opened in Kalispell MT 1976. My own children's arrival starting in 1980 riveted me into living a way that was optimal for a child to learn and grow. ( limiting TV. Eating Whole Foods, growing a garden, making music, making art and helping our children find their skills and talents. I often refer to this as going to the school of Hillary & Mariah. In that it taught me things under pressure that I don't think I would have stayed with except love fostered the stick-to-it-ness. Over the years I have been a baker, seamstress, professional cook, lead singer, retail counter sales, massage therapist, preschool teacher, esthetician. Each work task I have done lends itself to precision and variety that working day to day with children require. The thing that gives me the most joy is developing deep contact with people big or small in areas that matter most to us. The well being of our families and self. I strive to give support when I can and treasure it when it is given to me.
EMP: I think of you as a “seeker” based on the conversations we’ve had and all I’ve learned about you and your various interests. I’m inspired by the different professions you’ve mastered, then using those skills, moving to a completely different profession bringing with you those “gifts” you’ve acquired. You are a musician, singer, and an accomplished baker. Can you give a synopsis of the journey of these passions you have sought out in your life?
You are a gifted early educator and I’m curious to find out what paths led you to Waldorf, and to early education, in general?
What is your secret to happiness?
NS: I first remember wanting to be a teacher at 8 years old. By my early teens I thought I would teach History. By high school I was deeply disillusioned with my experience of school and felt a drive to contribute to education reform. It has been a life long study of those who have come before me (Maria Montessori, Rudolph Stiener, Dewy, Piaget, Alfie Kohn and many many who are not as well known) I began my love with early childhood when I started volunteering at the first Head Start program that opened in Kalispell MT 1976. My own children's arrival starting in 1980 riveted me into living a way that was optimal for a child to learn and grow. ( limiting TV. Eating Whole Foods, growing a garden, making music, making art and helping our children find their skills and talents. I often refer to this as going to the school of Hillary & Mariah. In that it taught me things under pressure that I don't think I would have stayed with except love fostered the stick-to-it-ness. Over the years I have been a baker, seamstress, professional cook, lead singer, retail counter sales, massage therapist, preschool teacher, esthetician. Each work task I have done lends itself to precision and variety that working day to day with children require. The thing that gives me the most joy is developing deep contact with people big or small in areas that matter most to us. The well being of our families and self. I strive to give support when I can and treasure it when it is given to me.
