Jess Toole

Small School Teacher

jtoole@nantucketlighthouseschool.org

Meet Jess

• Montessori Preschool Certification, Northeast Montessori Institute

• Lead Teacher & Director 1 Certification, MA Department of Early Education and Care

• Elementary Education Teacher Certification, Bridgewater State University

• BA Sociology, University of Massachusetts at Amherst

Jess is an enthusiastic and compassionate educator who thrives in learning environments that honor self-expression, kindness, and creativity. Her teaching journey began decades ago as a student teacher at Nantucket Elementary School and has since unfolded in meaningful and varied ways.

Jess spent several years as a stay-at-home parent during her children’s early years, an experience she holds close to her heart. She later had the unique opportunity to serve as a co-teacher in her son’s classroom at Nantucket New School, followed by many years as a preschool teacher at the Montessori Children’s House of Nantucket.

In addition to her classroom work, Jess supported families as a developmental specialist in Early Intervention, deepening her commitment to nurturing children during their earliest stages of growth. She is especially drawn to the imagination, curiosity, and spontaneity of preschool-aged children and finds great purpose in helping them navigate their emotions while compassionately meeting their individual needs.

What Nantucket Lighthouse School means to Jess

“Nantucket Lighthouse School’s reverence for the child aligns with my deep appreciation of the wonder of childhood.”