Teacher Insight Series: Meet Fumi Kaido-Eck

Through our Teacher Insight series, we are proud to highlight the talented individuals whose contributions make Hudson Montessori a place where children truly thrive. Meet Ms. Fumi Kaido-Eck, our beloved lead toddler teacher in the Rosy Red class.

Ms. Fumi brings warmth, patience, and a calming presence to her classroom each day. She is known for her gentle superpower: helping toddlers feel safe, seen, and comforted. Each year, her reassuring words help our youngest students settle in, and parents feel an immediate sense of relief and excitement for the year of growth ahead for their child.

Ms. Fumi’s Experience & Qualifications

Ms. Fumi is a Montessori-certified educator and has been a cornerstone of Hudson Montessori School since its founding in 2009. Over the years, she has witnessed many of her toddlers grow from her classroom as 2-year-olds and graduate from our Middle School, completing the full Hudson Montessori journey. She marvels at their immense growth and deep connection she still feels toward her former students.

While she has taught students across many ages, the toddler stage remains closest to her heart. She describes it as a period of significant progress in a short time. In just weeks, children develop independence, communication skills, and social awareness. Families consistently report that their children mature and learn to express themselves with confidence during their time in her classroom.

Why Does She Choose Hudson Montessori School as a Teacher?

Ms. Fumi values Hudson Montessori’s respect for each child’s individual development and its emphasis on independence, emotional growth, and community. For her, being part of a school that nurtures children from their earliest years through adolescence is impactful for both her and our students.

Ms. Fumi’s Personal Life

Originally from Kanazawa, Japan, Ms. Fumi brings a global perspective to her life and teaching. She is fluent in Japanese, English, and German and enjoys studying languages, with some knowledge of Korean and Chinese as well. Her love of culture and exploration stems from her experiences living and studying in different countries, including her time as an exchange student abroad.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Fumi’s greatest joy is cooking and baking. She loves experimenting with recipes and tasting foods from around the world. She is also a proud mother to her daughter, Luna, and, though she insists she does not like talking about herself, she shares with a smile and twinkle in her eye that reveals how deeply she cares for the children and community around her.

Her teaching philosophy is simple and powerful:

“Be calm, be patient, and let children know they are never alone."

Hudson Montessori School, located in downtown Jersey City, serves children from ages 2 through 8th grade. The school uses an interdisciplinary, theme-based learning approach grounded in the Montessori philosophy and methodology to foster a love of learning in its students. Its STEM-certified campus is the only one of its kind in New Jersey, featuring STEM-certified teachers who meet the highest standards set by the National Institute for STEM Education. The school invites parents to attend a tour to learn more about our school.