Ms. Jill Maxe began teaching at Como Park Elementary in 1998. She holds the following degrees: BTh with a Minor in Music; BA in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University, St. Paul; an MEd in Teaching and Learning from St. Mary's University, Winona, MN with a focus in Community Building: Parent Involvement/Character Education. She also holds a Doctorate in Education, EdD, in Educational Leadership from Hamline University. Her Educational Licensures include: Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grades 1-6. She also holds a Reading Specialist License, K-12; Reading Recovery Certification; and an Administrative Principal License.

Jill Maxe has taught all grade levels Pre-K-6 in the following capacities: Classroom Teacher, Multi-Grade Classroom, Reading and Math Intervention Specialist, Prevention Teacher, Reading Recovery Teacher, Grade Level Academic Support, Grade Level Service Coordinator, Literacy and Leadership Prep Classes, Science and Engineering Prep classes for Grades 1, 5, 6, Music and Movement, 7 Habits of Happy Kids from Leader in Me, et. al. In addition, she has been a Reading Recovery Content Coach, Literacy Coach, and an MRC Coach/Coordinator in the St. Paul Public School District.

Jill lives in the Twin Cities area. She grew up in St. Paul and is a graduate of St. Paul Public Schools. She is a life-long learner, enjoys spending time with family and friends, and enjoys reading, going to plays, concerts, and good movies. She has been highly involved in state-wide literacy organizations, serving as president and holding additional positions and responsibilities. She enjoys music, plays piano and flute, has been a member of various music groups, and has directed adult and children's choirs, as well as adult cantatas and children's musicals.

Ms. Maxe believes in the importance of Early Childhood Education and building a strong foundation to support and impact our students for amazing possibilities in their future. The St. Paul Public School's Pre-K curriculum, Discovering Our World, is based on themes that engage students in their environment, acknowledge culture, celebrate diversity, and encompass learning in the classroom and application in the real world. Dr. Maxe's educational philosophy is interwoven with this and has its roots in Maria Montessori, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Marie Clay's work. She believes in teaching the whole child and following the lead of the child for learning. Because of her love of music, Ms. Maxe incorporates music and movement into the school day. She believes and teaches students that "every day is a great day to learn something new." She also believes in helping children see that "every minute and every second is fresh with no mistakes in it!" She teaches her students that they are scholars and leaders, to know who they are, and to believe in themselves. She helps them understand that their "purpose is to get better at everything." One of her favorite quotes and educational beliefs to help students see themselves as leaders for the future is: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." ~Mahatma Gandhi