How Apple Montessori Towaco Fosters Students' Lifelong Success

This Patch article is sponsored by Apple Montessori Schools.

Apple Montessori Schools is a network of schools that puts an emphasis on nurturing the whole child. Their mission is to educate, enrich and inspire children to reach their fullest potential as kind, independent, curious and happy individuals.

Dhurata Korbi, lead preschool teacher at Apple Montessori Towaco, has worked as a teacher for more than 20 years in both Albania and the U.S.

Learn more about Korbi, as well as the school's upcoming endeavors, including how they will soon have an outdoor classroom, in this exclusive Patch one-on-one:

Patch: How long have you been teaching at Apple Montessori School Towaco?

Korbi: I have been working at Apple Montessori School Towaco since 2017. However I started working with Apple Montessori in 2014 in Cliffside Park.

Patch: What attracted you to becoming a preschool teacher in general, and a Montessori teacher in particular?

Korbi: I have worked as a teacher for 20 years in my country, Albania. It is my passion to work with kids. After moving to the United States, I was grateful to have had the opportunity to start as a teacher’s assistant at Apple Montessori Cliffside Park. Previous to getting hired, I had heard a lot about Montessori schools even in my country and it always attracted my attention. I was fascinated by the way they offer education and expand a child’s mind. This fascination continued even when I started working as an assistant and I wanted to pursue my career in teaching further and become a Montessori teacher.

Patch: What is the best part of your job?

Korbi: The best part of my job is seeing my students very happy, healthy and always making progress. Students are always expressing how happy they are and how excited they get when they learn something new. It is a new experience every day at Apple for me and my students.

Patch: What is the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve had over the years?

Korbi: At the beginning of my career at Apple, I had just moved to the country and was not very good at speaking English. Apple Montessori opened its doors for me and allowed me to grow and learn through the years. Thank you, Apple Montessori!

Patch: What are you most excited about in the upcoming school year? Are there any new projects or endeavors you or Apple is working on that you’re excited about?

Korbi: One of the most exciting things that will happen at Apple Montessori Towaco is that we will have an outdoor classroom. I am looking forward to working with students and seeing how happy they will be when provided with the opportunity to learn outside.

Patch: If you had to sum up Apple Montessori Schools’ mission, what would you say?

Korbi: Exemplary education, great experiences, happy students and parents, outstanding teachers, warm and welcoming classroom environment.

Patch: How would you say Apple Montessori School Towaco differs from a traditional preschool or daycare environment?

Korbi: Apple Montessori Towaco differs from other preschool or day care environments because they have a lesson plan for their students — even our youngest students who come to us at age 2. They provide a learning environment during any type of activity, even during lunchtime by helping students set up their own lunch. Students are given independence and entertainment while being taught about different skills.

Patch: Please share one short story that demonstrates how Apple Montessori is different than other schools.

Korbi: I have multiple stories that beautifully demonstrate how Apple is different from other schools. It would take me pages to summarize all of them. One of those stories is how Apple celebrates students’ birthdays. When it is somebody’s birthday we usually put a sun in the middle of the room surrounded by the months of the year. The student whose birthday is on that day takes the globe in their hands, and the teacher reads the story of how he/she was born (provided by the parent). Then everyone starts singing while the child happily walks around the sun. It is one of the most exciting experiences for children.

Patch: What is the best piece of advice a co-worker or supervisor at Apple has ever given you?

Korbi: To always be honest with parents

Patch: What advice would you give to someone considering a career as a Montessori teacher?

Korbi: Be patient and creative and make sure students are always your priority.

Patch: Do you know of any events coming up in Towaco or Montville?

Korbi: We soon have our “Bring your parent to school” day.

How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Korbi: Readers can visit our website to learn more about our programs.