ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Christine Lonergan is the mother of four children, an award winning DC Public School teacher, graduate of United Montessori Association, and  the creator/director of Spring Valley Montessori Academy. In response to increased demands for more preschool options, she opened her own in 2005. This innovative and award winning program, BEST of BETHESDA 2013, 2015 & 2018 is specifically designed to meet the educational needs of our expanding early childhood population.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

• United Montessori Association Teaching Certification Program,
     United Montessori Association, Washington

• Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education,
     George Washington University, Washington DC

• Bachelor of Science, Psychology 
     Denison University, Granville, Ohio

LICENSURE

• 2010 - Present   Montgomery County Child Care Division, Children ages 2-5

• International Montessori Society Accredited

HONORS

Recipient of the 2013, 2015 & 2018 BEST of BETHESDA AWARD! 
Spring Valley Montessori Academy was selected for the 2013, 2015 & 2018 BEST of BETHESDA Award in the Nursery & Kindergarten Schools category by the Bethesda Award Program.

ADDITIONAL AWARDS

• Developer Grant Award for Innovative Instructional Programs D.C. Public Schools, 1989

• Teacher to Teacher Award for Developing Exemplary Classroom Programs
     D.C. Public Schools, 1993

• Excellence in Education Award, The Washington D.C. Jaycees, 1994

• Public Educator of Excellence Award, The Masonic Scottish Rite of Washington D.C.,
      2002

• Selected for the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, Honoring the top 5% of
     America’s best teachers 2004