Jean Bird

Preschool Fours Teacher

Bio

Jean Thompson Bird grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in Child Development. She taught in the Children’s School for seven years directly out of college. Jean continued to work part-time for CMU in the Center for University Outreach DASH project (Developmental Approaches to Science, Health, and Technology), all the while staying connected to the Children's School as a parent and substitute teacher. She returned to the Children's School staff twenty-one years ago, and has continued to teach the Older 4’s class full time since 2005. Music, woodworking, science, and exploring books and stories are some of Jean’s favorite activities to do with children.

Jean is active in the mission and outreach work of Waverly Church, including co-directing the Children & Youth Ministry program and teaching early childhood classes. She especially enjoys performing in and producing the Waverly Opera House, a yearly melodramatic, musical show that raises funds for youth programming. Jean’s husband, Jim, adds some cool factor into the family with his hobby as a rock and roll guitar and bass player. Jean and Jim have three daughters, Emilie, Ahleajha, and Darrah. Darrah and Emilie both have fond memories of the Children’s School as alumni. Jean is the proud "Mimi" of 9 year old Children’s School alum Rowan, 18 month old Juniper (son and daughter of Darrah and PJ), and 5 year old Jude (son of Ahleajha).