Marija Perunovic
Sycamore Teacher
Marija was born in Belgrade, Serbia, and raised in Queens. Since graduating from Reed College with a degree in English in 2013, she has taught students from early childhood through adulthood in a wide variety of settings. Her teaching journey began as an assistant at a Montessori school in Portland, Oregon, where she first discovered her love for Montessori education. She later spent a year teaching English at a public high school in Spain, and while pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing and Literary Translation at CUNY Queens College, she taught undergraduate courses in Creative Writing and College Writing as a Graduate Teaching Fellow.
Her experiences, from guiding toddlers through their first classroom routines to leading college seminars in literary theory, have given her a deep appreciation for the unique ways people learn at different stages of life. What continues to inspire Marija about Montessori philosophy is the belief that education rooted in peace and community care can help shape a more compassionate world. She is committed to nurturing kindness, empathy, and independence in her students, values she weaves into daily classroom life.
Marija has been a part of the wBees team since 2018. She completed her AMS Montessori credential at West Side Montessori School in 2022 and is currently pursuing a dual-certification Master’s in Education at Hunter College’s School of Education. Her program, Early Childhood Development and Learning: Diverse Children and Families, prepares teachers to support young children of all abilities and backgrounds through inclusive, developmentally responsive practice. She is thrilled to be leading the Sycamore classroom.
10 Questions with Marija!
What is your favorite part of working in early childhood?
Children know what’s really important: love, joy, fun, curiosity, creativity, and experiencing life. They help me connect to my inner child each and every day.
Is there a memory, teacher, or experience from your own education that impacts the way you approach teaching?
I was lucky to have many compassionate and dedicated teachers throughout my life. They’re a big part of the reason I wanted to work in education. I feel very privileged to get to be that person in a child’s life today.
What's your favorite part of the wBees day?
I love all the parts of our day, but I think the work cycle is my favorite. Every child’s exploration of the materials is a little bit different. It’s so interesting to see what lights up their curiosity.
What's your favorite children's book? Why?
My favorite childhood book was Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George. My favorite to read with kids is anything by Frank Asche.
What's your go-to school dance party song?
Jump in the Line by Harry Belafonte
If you could learn anything new right now, what would it be?
I really want to take a sewing class!
What's your favorite New York City spot? Why?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has been a sanctuary since childhood. I always wanted to spend the night there, like the kids in From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.
What are you reading right now?
The Sonnets by Ted Berrigan
What's one thing you think adults can learn from young children?
How to experience wonder in the little, everyday things that surround us
Where is your favorite place to connect with nature? Why?
Without a doubt, the beach. There’s nothing quite like being in that liminal space between land and water.