Ariel Joseph
Sycamore Teacher
Ariel has had a passion for working with children since she was a teen. In addition to babysitting, she showed interest throughout high school and college in early childhood development and education. She spent time volunteering at daycares and schools, fascinated with learning and exploring different teaching philosophies.
After moving to New York from North Carolina in 2010, Ariel pursued a career in entertainment earning her degree from NYU in Film and Television Production. She spent the first several years of her career working as a commercial producer before making the move to return to her passion for supporting the healthy development of children.
Most recently Ariel worked as an assistant teacher at a Montessori school in Brooklyn, which served as her introduction to the method, and she found herself resonating wholeheartedly with the philosophy. Ariel has always held the core belief that every child has a unique voice, and that incredible learning can happen when that voice is understood and respected.
Ariel lives in Ridgewood herself, and in her spare time loves to explore the neighborhood. She is also an avid reader and writer, and loves all mediums of performance art. Naturally curious, Ariel believes that education is a lifelong journey and to be best equipped to teach, she must hold a passion for learning and growth herself.
10 Questions with Ariel!
Is there a memory, teacher, or experience from your own education that impacts the way you approach teaching?
I was a very independent child, and I'm sure that has a lot to do with my gravitating toward Montessori pedagogy, but I really valued the teachers I had, especially in preschool and elementary, who supported me trying things myself first. That little bit of patience goes a long way, I think, in building confidence. I really noticed a difference in my experiences with teachers who respected my desire to try things myself before getting help vs teachers who didn't.
What's your favorite part of the wBees day?
I love the work cycle. It's such an amazing time to see where the children's interests are currently and watch them make these developmental strides. Lately, though, I have to say I'm really enjoying outside time. I grew up in a pretty rural area, so I love to watch the way the kids use these more urban spaces, no matter where we go. Their joy and excitement for the outdoors have made me more mindful of taking time to be outdoors as much as possible.
If you weren't teaching early childhood/pre-school, what other age range would you like to teach?
I think college would be interesting to teach. I enjoyed college so much that I went to three different schools and am still thinking of going back yet again.
What's your favorite children's book? Why?
I don't know if it really counts as a children's book but I have a very well loved copy of Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. It's such an imaginative collection of poems, I would read and reread them as a kid to the point I have some of them memorized even now as an adult.
What's your favorite New York City spot? Why?
I really love the Museum of Natural History. I love museums in general, and there weren't many near where I grew up, certainly none at the scale of AMNH or the MET. No matter how long I've lived in NYC, my excitement over having museums so easily accessible never ends.
What's a skill, hobby, or passion of yours that you pursue outside of work?
I originally worked in entertainment, and though I left the field professionally, I still love the creative aspect of that world. I am still very interested in acting and performing, and I have been making time to write outside of work. I am determined to finish a novel and a screenplay within the next year.
What's your favorite thing to do during school breaks?
I like to travel. I have lots of family and friends spread out all over the country and even overseas, so I really prioritize making trips to see them when I can.
What's one thing you think adults can learn from young children?
There is something interesting to be found anywhere you go if you look. Through the eyes of a child, when so many things are new, or still being explored, the world is just absolutely full of things to see and do, even in your own neighborhood. I think spending time around children, being reminded of that, has me finding joy more often these days, even in very ordinary moments.
Where is your favorite place to connect with nature? Why?
The beach, because I'm a mermaid 🥰 But in all seriousness, I grew up in the 90s by the beach with the name Ariel, I have always felt deeply connected to water and the beach, especially. It's a very grounding place for me.
What's a favorite quote, mantra, or phrase that guides your teaching philosophy?
This is not a direct quote, but when I first started with wBees, I was watching a workshop about positive discipline, and the speaker said something to the effect of it's not about disciplining a child, it's about giving that child the tools so that someday they might be able to discipline themselves. That really stuck with me, and I think about that a lot. It's just a good reminder that even at this young age children are really absorbing the things we are telling them and the boundaries we are setting, and I think it's important as someone teaching them to be mindful with regards to boundaries; why is this a boundary, am I presenting this in a way this child can understand, am I prepared to answer questions about it? Of course, it's always a work in progress, but it's something I think about a lot.