Creative preschool teacher joins WAC
New program aims to foster imagination
PRESQUE ISLE — The Wintergreen Arts Center recently named Jillian Harris to be head teacher of the center’s new creative preschool program, Under the Willow Tree. Harris holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and history. She brings to the center over a decade of experience teaching children through art, creativity and kindness.
“I am so excited about this opportunity,” said Jillian Harris. “I believe that fostering an aesthetic sense in children and engaging them in creative exploration should be main objectives of any preschool program. 
“It is an absolute joy to build our curriculum around encouraging creativity and the arts in ways to make learning truly fun for our students,” she said.
Under the Willow Tree, Wintergreen’s creative preschool, is an educational program for children ages 3-5. Beginning this fall, it will be open to a class size of 14 students to meet Monday through Thursday from 8-11 a.m.
According to WAC officials, the preschool will implement a child-centered approach and Montessori methods to provide students with a diverse learning environment, engaging them in hands-on learning every day. Instruction and guidance will be given to children in ways that foster imagination, creativity and critical thinking.
“We believe there is a huge need in our community for creative learning opportunities,” said Heather Harvell, Wintergreen board co-chair, who spearheaded the creative preschool. “Our program provides that opportunity through a variety of tools and modalities.
Harvell said, “Each student will get to explore learning through the arts with lots of hands on experiences, Jillian Harris, our lead teacher, not only has a background in education and art but she loves kids. We can’t wait to get started.”
Harris lives in Mapleton with her husband and their four children; two girls, ages 8 and 9 months, and two boys, ages 6 and 3.
The Wintergreen Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2006 and located in downtown Presque Isle. Its mission is to provide meaningful experiences that encourage an appreciation of the arts, stimulate creativity and innovation, and offer an artistic community space where all are welcome.
