Nayiri Mullinix, a Teacher at Ann Arbor’s Daycroft Montessori School, Wins “Scholars of Excellence” Award from EMU’s College of Education

Nayiri Mullinix, a head co-teacher in the Grades 3-4A classroom at Daycroft Montessori School (www.daycroft.org) of Ann Arbor, has been selected for a “Scholars of Excellence” award by the faculty of the College of Education at Eastern Michigan University (www.emich.edu/coe).

Mullinix will complete her Master’s degree in early childhood education at EMU this spring. The award recognizes her academic excellence, strong commitment to her field of study, and outstanding skills both within and outside of the classroom.

Mullinix is in her seventh year at Daycroft. She originally studied journalism at Michigan State University, and worked as a producer for Michigan Radio, the NPR affiliate. She then returned to school, graduating from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2006.

Mullinix holds a Michigan Teaching Certificate with endorsements for early childhood education, language arts, and fine arts. She is also Montessori-trained.

Outside of her work at Daycroft and studies at EMU, Mullinix enjoys being home with her husband and Pomeranian. She bakes, crafts, and makes home improvements.

Mullinix was born in Boston, Massachusetts. At the age of eight, she came to Ann Arbor when her father, a professor of Armenian studies, moved from Harvard University to the University of Michigan. Mullinix has lived in Ann Arbor ever since.

About Daycroft Montessori School

Daycroft Montessori School blends the distinctive student-centered teaching methods of Maria Montessori with traditional and progressive education. This helps Daycroft accomplish its mission: to provide a personalized learning environment that appreciates individual differences, nurtures the whole child, and enables students to develop at their own pace and achieve to their potential.

Daycroft is one of Washtenaw County’s leading private schools. It began as a preschool program in 1968. Daycroft has since grown to include a full-day kindergarten program, an elementary school program through 6th grade, before-school and after-school care, summer camp programs, and enrichment classes.

In addition to ISACS, Daycroft is a member of the Association of Independent Michigan Schools (AIMS; www.aims-mi.org), the American Montessori Society (AMS; www.amshq.org), and the North American Montessori Teachers’ Association (NAMTA; www.montessori-namta.org).

Daycroft Preprimary School (preschool and kindergarten) is at 100 Oakbrook Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48104.  Phone: (734) 930-0333.

Daycroft Elementary School (grades K through 6) and Daycroft’s administrative offices are at 1095 N. Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103.  Phone: (734) 662-3335.