GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – For Julie Fogg Reyers, Principal at Ridgemoor Park Montessori, the spark for a lifelong career in education began right here at Grand Rapids Public Schools.
“I went to Shawmut Hills and I just loved school,” recalled Reyers. “I had some great teachers there that really inspired me to ultimately become a teacher.”
After earning degrees from Oakland University and Western Michigan University, Reyers began her teaching career at Union High School before moving on to Ridgemoor Park Montessori and Ottawa Hills High School. She later spent time in Cleveland helping to start a Montessori high school, eventually returning home to Ridgemoor Park Montessori as principal.
“This is my very favorite job I've ever had,” she said. “I love getting to work with all the students, the families, the teachers here - all of our staff. We just have a really community-oriented feel about the school.”
Throughout her career, Reyers has been deeply drawn to the Montessori philosophy.
“Some of the things I love about the Montessori philosophy are multiage classrooms,” she explained. “Having students in with the same teacher for three years and not only the teacher, but with their classmates for three years, they really form some nice bonds.”
For Fogg Reyers, GRPS will always feel like home.
“It feels like family. I feel like my students deserve the best, and I want to give them my best.”
