My name is Ela Majkut, and I am a passionate educator with more than 38 years of experience working with young children and future teachers. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Early Education and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, specializing in Preschool and Kindergarten, from the University of Warsaw in Poland. I am also Montessori certified at the Primary level.

Teaching has always been a meaningful part of my life. I come from a family of educators: my mother was an art teacher, and my sister is an elementary school teacher. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with children in a variety of settings and learning from each experience.

In Poland, I spent 19 years as a kindergarten teacher, working with children ages 3–7 and teaching all areas of the curriculum, including music. I also taught graduate students at the University of Bialystok, preparing future educators to design and lead engaging music activities and games for young children. In addition, I have written numerous pedagogical articles and educational handbooks, including Program of Regional Education and Literature in Early Care and Education.

After moving to the United States, I continued my work in early childhood education through the Head Start Program, where I spent 10 years working with a Montessori-based curriculum. I also served for four years as principal of J. Popieluszko Polish Supplementary School in New Jersey.

As a Montessori educator, I believe every child is unique and deserves the time, respect, encouragement, and freedom to develop at their own pace. I value the Montessori philosophy of following the child, nurturing independence, and creating an environment where children can build confidence, curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. One of the greatest rewards of teaching is witnessing the small moments of growth that become meaningful milestones in a child’s development.

Music has always been an important part of my life and teaching. I enjoy incorporating the piano, songs, movement, and musical activities into our daily classroom experiences, creating joyful opportunities for children to explore, express themselves, and learn.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading, gardening, painting, skiing, and spending time with my family and my two beloved dogs, Rayna, a beautiful black Lab, and Sally, a playful mixed-breed dog. Our newest family addition is a baby cat.

I feel truly grateful to have spent so many years working with children. Every child brings something special to the classroom, and I am honored to be part of their journey as they discover who they are and what they can do.