Anna Betina is our Toddler division coordinator and Half-Day Toddler lead teacher. She began teaching in 2009 and joined our School in 2017.

A native of Ukraine, Anna is fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, Bulgarian, and English. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and childhood psychology and a doctorate in pedagogical and age psychology from her native country of Ukraine. She also holds her Infant & Toddler (birth to age 3) Montessori teaching credential.

Anna and her husband have a daughter who is in fourth grade at GMS. Outside of the classroom, Anna loves live music and also a quiet nap.

GMS: Why did you choose to work at Greensboro Montessori School?

AB: I did my research based on Montessori theory and fell in love with the method here.

GMS: What excites you most about working in your division?

AB: It excites me to see children as capable human beings, and it gives me huge feedback, which inspires me as a teacher.

GMS: What aspect of the Montessori method inspires you the most?

AB: A toddler's sensitive periods and how to prepare the environment that facilitates those effortless windows of learning.

GMS: What do you enjoy learning from our students, and what do you enjoy sharing with them?

AB: How to be patient and see the child. I love sharing my positive attitude to problem solving.

GMS: What do you enjoy learning from your coworkers, and what are you excited to share with them?

AB: Learning how to listen. Recently, we started sharing articles and podcasts across our division on how to support children in a fast-changing world and how to support this in the classroom. It was very exciting and inspiring.

GMS: Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t learn from your résumé or CV?

AB: I used to be a ballerina, and during my teenage identity crisis, I switched to wrestling for 3 years.

GMS: Where did you grow up, and do you mind sharing one favorite memory from childhood? 

AB: I grew up in Ukraine. My favorite memory is playing outside with my friends without adult supervision. Also, going to camps each summer without parents for six weeks.

GMS: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are they named?

AB: I have a Black Pomeranian named Mia.

GMS: Of all the places you’ve traveled to, what is your favorite destination and why?

AB: Italy because there is a lot of history and nature to explore.

GMS: If you could travel anywhere else, where would it be and why?

AB: Japan because I’ve never been there and would really love to experience the culture.

GMS: What is something you don’t get to do often but it still feeds your soul?

AB: Visiting my family in Europe.

GMS: What is your favorite snack?

AB: My favorites are seaweed and dried fruits.

GMS: You’re going out with friends? Do you meet for coffee or cocktails? What is your favorite drink from those selections?

AB: I like to drink coffee or tea, or a virgin cocktail.

GMS: Other than Dr. Maria Montessori, who would you like to meet from history and why? 

AB: J. Lacan because I would love to understand his theory firsthand.