Cloey Parker – First Grade Teacher 2025-26

With eight years of professional childcare experience, complemented by a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Cloey Parker is a dedicated teacher excited to start the BVWS elementary loop with children and families in this community. Cloey is passionate about creating developmentally-based learning opportunities that promote social, emotional, and cognitive growth for children of varying needs and abilities.

Born and raised in the mountains of Santa Cruz, California, Cloey was homeschooled through middle school with a Waldorf-inspired curriculum. Her early education was filled with storytelling, baking, outdoor play, and creative arts; all activities that she continues to bring into her teaching practice today. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and studied Early Childhood Education at Cabrillo College. Cloey has worked young children in various educational settings, as well as working as a mental health counselor for adults. Experience teaching within Montessori, Reggio Emilio, and nature-based programs has deepened her respect for child-centered, holistic education. She believe that children hold the key to their own learning, and that they learn best when given opportunities for free play, creative expression, movement, collaboration, and hands-on exploration of the natural world.

Her personal teaching philosophy emphasizes autonomy, respect, and trust in the child. Cloey has spent time working on a biodynamic farm in California. She has a deep appreciation for the Waldorf philosophy’s emphasis on holistic wellbeing, reverence for nature, and the interconnectedness of life. She is eager to bring her skills of curriculum planning, observation, and parent collaboration into a setting that honors the whole child. Cloey looks forward to joining the new cohort of Waldorf teacher students in this region with Waldorf Teacher Training this summer! Cloey is a strong communicator and collaborator, adept at building positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, playing guitar, gardening, and exploring the outdoors with her two dogs.

EDUCATION

• BA in Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz
• AA in Liberal Arts, Cabrillo College with Early Childhood Education credits
• Early Childhood Education credits in Montessori Education, MTEC

EXPERIENCE

• Montessori Assistant Guide – Santa Cruz Montessori
• Preschool Teacher – Discovery Preschool (Reggio Emilia in Santa Cruz)
• Mental Health Specialist – Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz
• Farmer’s Market Representative/Farmworker – Blossom’s Biodynamic Farm

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