Montessori Academy Staff Credentials
Montessori Academy is dually accredited by the SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), and the AMS (American Montessori Society). This means that our faculty meets the high standards and specialized qualifications required by these organizations. Our excellence is further reflected in the thousands of students' lives that we have influenced. We are pleased that our teachers reflect Dr. Montessori's passion for precision and order, the basis for all learning. Our adherence to the very effective and proven Montessori philosophy has created a school in which students become independent, lifelong learners, and well prepared for life.
Administration:
Head of School: Ms. Linda Bernstorf has Montessori experience spanning over twenty years. She is Montessori certified in both the Primary and Elementary areas. Her Master's degree in Educational Leadership and her experiences as a teacher continue to provide her expertise within the educational environment. Her talent as a violinist is an inspiration to those who applaud our efforts to highlight music in our curriculum.
Chief Financial Officer: Dr. Jim Bernstorf is Chief Operating Officer of Montessori Academy. His twenty-one years of business experience and management within the corporate environment, combined with Masters and Doctorate degrees in education, bring a unique perspective to the leadership team at Montessori Academy and a clear vision of the importance that students become life-long learners.
Founder: Mrs. Eileen Bernstorf has earned two Montessori certifications and a Master's degree in education. As an educational leader in our community, she helped found the first Montessori school in the Nashville area in 1967. Her experience as the leader of one of the largest private Montessori schools in the nation allowed her to become a mentor to fledgling schools and Montessori teachers. Montessori Academy has an international flavor due to her experience as a teacher in Karachi, Pakistan for five years. Her husband, a professor at Meharry Medical College, was the financial and emotional support behind her dream. She is a lifetime member of The Continental Who's Who and the American Registry of
Outstanding Professionals. She also is a VIP member of Strathmore's Who's
Who.
Primary Director (Ages 3-6): Mrs. Korine Walther holds a Primary Montessori certification and a Bachelor's degree. She has over 25 years of experience as a Primary teacher at both Montessori Centre and Montessori Academy. Her experience and expertise are a valuable asset to the educational objectives of the school. Mrs. Walther is a lead contact for parents seeking to enroll their children in the Primary program at Montessori Academy.
Elementary Director (Ages 6-14): Mrs. Helena Hess holds Lower and Upper Elementary Montessori certifications and a Master's degree in Education, with emphasis in Gifted and Special Education. Mrs. Hess has taught in Ohio, Japan, and Tennessee. Prior to her current position, she taught in the Upper Elementary program at Montessori Academy for six years. Her dual certifications and her expertise in the classroom are important resources to other teachers and the school. Mrs. Hess is a lead contact for parents seeking to enroll their children in the elementary levels at Montessori Academy.
Elementary Teacher Credentials:
Elementary Teachers: All teachers are Montessori certified or trained and hold Bachelor's degrees. Some have earned Master's degrees.
Primary Teacher Credentials:
Primary School Teachers: All teachers are Montessori certified or trained. Most have Bachelor's degrees and some have earned Master's degrees.
Specialty Teachers:
Art, Foreign Languages, Music, and Physical Education Teachers: All hold
Bachelor's degrees and most have earned Master's degrees. | 
