Konne Ainsworth (4Day & T/Th)

Konne Ainsworth is our current Director and the teacher of the Tuesday/Thursday class and the 4-day class. She has been on-staff with Explorer since 1976. Early in her Explorer career, Konne created our program for two-year-olds, and over the years has been instrumental throughout the school’s three moves.

Konne also developed and taught curriculum in the Early Childhood Education department at Ohlone College until 2003. She taught classes on Literacy, Science, Art and the beginning course, Developing Curriculum in ECE for 15 years. Konne holds a BA degree in Child Development and a MA degree in Early Childhood Education. She is a credentialed California elementary teacher and credentialed to teach community college and adults in early childhood.

Teacher Konne emphasizes the importance of children becoming active participants in their own learning through exploration, questioning and investigation. She believes the cooperative preschool is a wonderful laboratory for parents and children to learn together.

Annie Castle-Deckert (MW2's & Fri2's)

Annie was a participating parent for four years before she joined the Explorer staff in 1995. She teaches both the 2's classes. Annie holds a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education, a Master's degree in Educational Psychology, and an Adult Education credential. Her professional experience also includes teaching Child Development and Education at both UC Santa Cruz, Extension and San Jose City College. She has taught in elementary school, been a program coordinator for the gifted, and tutored and counseled senior citizens.

Annie also teaches "Together Time for Parents and Toddlers," a class developed for Metropolitan Adult Education, for parents with children too young for preschool. Her focus in all her classes is the belief in the individual developmental needs of her students, and that learning takes place best in a positive and supportive atmosphere.

Teacher Jackie Kite (MWF & T/Th)

Jackie came aboard the Explorer team in 1997. She obtained her teaching credential in Visual Arts, English and Education in England, and also has an Adult Education credential. She brings a wealth of experience through her travels and teaching in Greece and Italy. She also spent seven years working for the YMCA, at one point as Program Director for Childcare, Camp and Family Programs.

Jackie teaches the Monday-Wednesday-Friday class and is the second teacher in the Tuesday/Thursday class. She believes in providing many opportunities for each child to develop to their full potential. Her curriculum provides choices that enable children to learn in different ways and to develop specific skills as a foundation on which to build and give them success as they continue on to elementary education.