Brain development, early numeracy, science and art integration, and equity are at the core of our teaching.
Nurturing and child-focused
Our warm, caring & thoughtful early childhood educators are trained in the Explorer Studio methodology which emphasizes exploratory environments, project-based learning, early numeracy, and language immersion. They are native speakers of the target language and are also fluent in English.
We hire empathetic, intelligent, intuitive humans who have extensive experience working with children and who are interested or experienced in Explorer Studio philosophy and methods. Before becoming an Explorer Studio teacher, these wonderful humans undergo rigorous training in the Explorer School methodology, which focuses on early childhood development, science & art integration, numeracy and equity.
In addition, all of our teachers have completed at least 30 hours of DOH-mandated training in, among other certifications: CPR and first aid, injury prevention, mandated reporter (abuse/neglect), challenging behaviors, brain development, anaphylaxis, supervision, emergency preparedness, early language development, anti-bias and implicit bias.
Meryem’s story
Explorer Studio Director Meryem started her educator’s journey in a bright, progressive French immersion preschool in San Francisco. There she was immersed in the Reggio Emilia methodology of child-led and child-centered experiential learning.
After relocating to Brooklyn, she became the founding teacher of a new French immersion elementary school, and was instrumental in its success and growth over her ten-year tenure. As the school grew, Meryem became the beloved director of its preschool, earning praise from families for her warm, nurturing teaching style and diligent attention to safety, as well as excellent communication and partnership with families.
At Explorer Studio, Meryem is an integral part of shaping the program, assembling and training our wonderful faculty, and yes, teaching the children.
“We love Meryem. She is exactly the kind of teacher you want for your child’s first school experience – warm, joyful, and human.”
— Preschool parent
Mouma’s story
Explorer Studio teacher Mouma is from Conakry, Guinea where French is the national language.
Mouma has learned and spoken French since she was in primary school, and writes and speaks French fluently. Mouma has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Université Général Lansana Conté.
Mouma worked as a teacher in an elementary school for 5 years before moving to the U.S. Prior to joining Explorer Studio since 2021, Mouma worked at SLA Annex, a French immersion preschool.
In addition to her love for teaching she enjoys museums, gardens, movies, and traveling abroad with her children.
Sondes’s story
Explorer Studio teacher Sondes is originally from Tunisia, where French is spoken as a second official language. In Tunisia, French is taught from primary school, and Sondes has learned and spoken French all her life.
Sondes has a bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature from L'Institut Supérieur des Langues de Tunis. Before emigrating to the U.S., she worked in Tunisia as a French teacher in primary schools for 9 years and as an English teacher in middle schools for 14 years. Prior to joining Explorer Studio in 2021, she worked as a French immersion teacher in Brooklyn in a progressive French immersion preschool.
Her background in teaching is reflected in her passion, skills, and creativity.
Sondes loves traveling, music, and photography
Chen’s story
Explorer Studio teacher Chen was born in Shanghai, China. From a very young age, she studied classical piano and the Chinese Instrument known as the Pipa and attended the Music Middle School Affiliated to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. As she is passionate about teaching and children, she started working as intern with day cares along with tutoring music to young kids. Later, she pursued an education in Chinese music and Western Jazz at the Shanghai Conservatory.
Following her graduation, she came to the United States to further her musical education by attending NYU Steinhardt, where she received her master’s degree in music education.
She has 5 years of experience in teaching music (piano, guitar, singing) to young children and about 2 years of experience in teaching Chinese (Mandarin, Chinese history, poem, inventions). Her teaching experience included overseeing all aspects of education such as lesson planning, curriculum, and communication with families.
She is passionate about teaching and playing with children. Their joy and happiness are part of her teaching goal. This helps her students to learn in an environment full of warmth and love. In addition to teaching, she performs as a musician at concerts and shows. Her hobbies are camping, enjoying nature, and watching movies.
Yingyan’s story
Explorer Studio teacher Yingyan is a dedicated preschool teacher hailing from China, where she was born and raised, making Mandarin her native language. She has achieved a Level 2 A Mandarin certificate, showcasing her expertise in the language.
With a master's degree in education, Yingyan possesses a strong educational foundation. Prior to her journey to the United States, she honed her teaching skills during a remarkable six-year tenure in China. Passionate about imparting Mandarin to kids, Yingyan thrives on creating engaging games and employing the "learning by doing" approach to facilitate language acquisition.
Yingyan has a strong sense of responsibility, optimistic personality, and sufficient patience, which are deeply loved by kids. Yingyan enjoys spending time with kids.
In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and photography.
Christelle’s story
Explorer Studio teacher Christelle, was born and raised in Paris, France, where she earned a master’s degree in finance and spent seven years working as an accountant in various banks. After moving to America, she decided to shift her focus on teaching.
Over the past seven years, She has had the pleasure of working with students of all ages, from middle and high school to preschool.
On 2023, she completed a master’s degree in Teaching French as a Foreign Language. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Education.
Her goal is to help children achieve their objectives through engaging and effective learning experiences. Introducing them to the French language through various activities, including songs, as well as integrating mathematical concepts.
In her spare time, Christelle enjoys playing soccer, basketball, swimming, and practicing karate. She also loves reading, which is a passion she often shares with her students to inspire love for stories and learning.
One of the things she enjoys the most about working with children is their curiosity and enthusiasm. She finds great joy in fostering a supportive environment where they can feel confident to explore new ideas and develop their skills. Helping children discover their potential and watching them grow is an incredibly rewarding for her.
