In an interview with Rilla Zheng ’27, Elementary School Teacher Jamie Beecher shared insights into her role at TASIS, where she has taught Kindergarten at Al Focolare, the Early Childhood Education center, since August 2024. Beecher also leads the Young Philanthropists Club, an after-school activity for students from Kindergarten through grade five that explores meaningful ways to help others at TASIS, in the local community, and around the world. The club collaborates closely with the High School Global Service Program, whose director, Ms. Shields, has brought high schoolers to work with younger students. Beecher additionally chaperones school trips, including the Elementary School Ski Club and occasionally the High School Ski Club, and accompanied High School students to Davos last winter. Her educational background was inspired by her mother, an educator and role model. Beecher studied Child Psychology at Cortland State College in New York, then worked at a Montessori school in Miami with children aged 18 months to six years. She earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix and later opened her own Montessori school in Denver, Colorado, working with children ages three to six. She then transitioned into the Denver public school system, teaching Kindergarten and first grade before joining TASIS. This marks her 25th year as an educator, and she went straight into the classroom after college. Beecher is drawn to teaching young children because she cherishes the “light bulb” moments when they realize they can do something independently. She views herself as a facilitator rather than a director of learning, creating a classroom where every child feels loved, safe, and confident enough to take risks and make mistakes. A favorite book, Beautiful Oops!, reinforces that mistakes can lead to something better. She shared an example of a shy student who, just 22 days into Kindergarten, spoke during morning meeting about her mother’s birthday and a pink hula hoop, now smiling and laughing daily.
Beecher emphasized that she learns as much from her students as they learn from her. Having spoken English and Spanish before moving from the States, she embraces the linguistic diversity of her class, where nine students represent several native languages. When teaching basic sign language, one girl offered to teach her Arabic, Spanish, and French, a moment that underscored how learning goes both ways. Beecher noted that five-year-olds have taught her to slow down and appreciate the world, especially during nature walks using all five senses. She hopes former students remember the lasting impact of their Kindergarten experience. Some have returned to student teach in her classroom, citing their early love of learning as inspiration to become educators. Others have invited her to teacher appreciation assemblies in high school, and in 2021 a former student recognized her through a church program honoring influential teachers, which led to her nominating another student for a $2,000 scholarship. At TASIS, Beecher values the strong sense of community and diversity, as well as the travel opportunities that begin in the Elementary School with programs like Ski Club. She enjoys classroom discussions where students share personal connections, such as stories about sea turtles seen in Ibiza or family traditions units where parents share cultures, stories, and foods. Morning meetings are central to her day, starting with a hello song in different languages—students have taught greetings like “Privyet,” “Bonjour,” “Ciao,” and “Buongiorno”—followed by themed sharing such as “Marvelous Monday” or “Terrific Tuesday.” These meetings practice social skills like turn-taking, eye contact, and listening. Her main goal for the year is to nurture independence, curiosity, and collaboration while helping children develop a genuine love of learning and confidence. She also values the small class sizes, strong community extending beyond the Elementary School, and the respect she receives from parents and administration.
