Daphne Zuniga

Montessori educator with AMS-aligned elementary training and experience guiding both toddler and elementary environments. Proven ability to lead prepared classrooms, mentor assistants, and deliver individualized instruction that supports academic, social, and executive functioning development. Skilled in observation, lesson planning, and fostering independence and curiosity through Montessori principles.

Currently completing a Director’s License program and a Bachelor's in Education (expected 2028) to finalize full certification and, with a strong commitment to long-term growth and contributing meaningfully as an Elementary Lead Guide.

Assistant Elementary Teacher at School in the Hills (2023-11 – 2026-05)

• Designed thematic lessons aligned with Montessori principles.
• Maintained warm, nurturing classroom environment focused on learning and student support.
• Administered benchmark assessments and supported data collection to track academic progress
• Partnered with families and administrators to address behavioral and academic challenges.
• Chaperoned overnight school trips, ensuring student safety and fostering community-building experiences.
• Developed and taught lessons celebrating global traditions, fostering empathy and cultural literacy among students.
• Supported classroom management by modeling grace and courtesy lessons and guiding students in conflict resolution.
• Took initiative in preparing and rotating materials to support student independence and mastery.
• Led small and whole group lessons in math, language, and cultural studies to reinforce foundational skills and deepen understanding.

Junior Lead Elementary Teacher at Midtown Montessori Academy (2022-08 – 2023-09)

• Designed weekly lesson plans integrating Montessori principles and student interests.
• Led small group instruction to reinforce literacy and numeracy skills.
• Facilitated parent-teacher conferences with actionable growth plans.
• Modeled respectful communication and guided students in conflict resolution strategies.
• Collaborated with the Lead Guide to design long-term work cycles and classroom flow.
• Supported student executive functioning by teaching routines, organization strategies, and independence-building habits.

Summer Camp Lead at Midtown Montessori Academy (2023-06 – 2023-08)

• Designed and facilitated week-long thematic camps for children ages 6–10.
• Supervised daily activities, ensuring safety, engagement, and inclusive participation.
• Coordinated with staff and families to support smooth transitions and camper well-being.
• Safely transported students on field trips and school events as a bus driver.
• Helped train and mentor assistant teachers by modeling Montessori practices, classroom flow, and positive redirection strategies.

Assistant Toddler Montessori Teacher at School in the Hills (2021-07 – 2022-03)

• Coordinated interactive activities to meet physical, emotional and social needs of children.
• Kept parents informed of child's progress with detailed notes.
• Communicated effectively by being friendly and nurturing and building bonds with children.
• Applied knowledge of early childhood development to evaluate student learning needs and promote growth.

Toddler Lead Teacher at Guidepost Montessori (2020-12 – 2021-06)

• Applied knowledge of early childhood development to evaluate student learning needs and promote growth.
• Kept parents informed of child's progress with detailed notes.
• Cultivated welcoming learning environments rooted in exploring new concepts and building developmentally appropriate skills.

Assistant Toddler Teacher at Ladybird Montessori (2020-06 – 2020-09)

• Applied knowledge of early childhood development to evaluate student learning needs and promote growth.
• Kept parents informed of child's progress with detailed notes.
• Cultivated welcoming learning environments rooted in exploring new concepts and building developmentally appropriate skills.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Texas Child Care Director Credential (2026-current)

Associates of Arts in Teaching – Austin Community College (2024)

Lower Elementary Training in Montessori Education – Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (2022-01 – 2023-12)

Diploma – San Marcos High School (2011-01 – 2014-12)