Our Teachers
Teacher Prudence
4 Day Teacher & Director
Teacher Prudence is starting her 6th year at Sunnymont-Westside. Prudence loves teaching and watching children learn through exploration. She is known for her easy, infectious smile and for making everything seem like it’s just part of the adventure.
Prudence has been a teacher for the past 26 years. She started by teaching Kindergarten, First and Third Grades at elementary schools in San Jose. Both of her own children attended local co-op preschool programs and during that time, she fell in love with the co-op nursery school model.
Besides making her classroom an adventure for children, Prudence had always wanted to make sure it was always a place that offered loving support to each family as their children grew, as well. And “Parent participation schools are a special places for observing this growth. It is a special time! I get the privilege of connecting with each child and their family in a way that didn't always happen within the elementary school classroom.” She also loves the community aspect of a co-op school. She believes that the strong connections and friendships that families form can last a lifetime.
In the 16 years since deciding a co-op is the place for her, she has taught 1 Day, 2 Day and 4 Day classes at other local parent participation schools.
Prudence has a BS degree in Environmental Sciences and a California Multiple Subjects teaching credential. She received the Meritorious Service Award in 2013 and the Honored Teacher award from San Jose State University in 2012. She is the mom of 2 children who went through co-op schools
Teacher Summer
3 Day Combo & 1 Day Teacher
Teacher Summer has been a dedicated part of the Sunnymont-Westside community for over 7 years. A Sunnymont-Westside alumni parent herself, she vibrantly embodies everything we love about our school.
Having gone to a co-op preschool herself in Los Gatos, Summer was interested in perusing a similar experience for her own children. At Sunnymont Westside, Summer fell in love with the parent participation model and found comfort in an environment that supports both children and parents, and allows children to learn through play.
Summer is skilled at engaging children through creative curriculum activities and values each individual’s unique interests. She supports parents in guiding children through developmentally appropriate conflict resolution, embracing sensory needs, and building resilience through strategic risk taking during play.
Summer’s kindness, warmth and understanding of meeting children where they are developmentally, makes her an especially valuable member of our teaching team. She provides compassionate support for our youngest preschoolers and parents during their first experiences at school.
