Joy Otto is the director of the Winford Bilingual Primary School Program, and previously served as a lead docent educator for divergent learners and primary schools at the Smithsonian Institution. She developed a love for the Dutch culture and education system while researching bilingual education for her graduate work. In her free time, Joy enjoys cycling on her Dutch fiets (bike), scuba diving in clear waters, and taking leisurely walks on the beach.
Joy holds undergraduate degrees in primary school education and special education (k-18). In addition, she has pursued post-graduate studies in Montessori education, Orton-Gillingham language speech/language therapy, Montessori teacher training, Brain Gym Kinesiology, and holds a PADI divemaster certification.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and Joy Otto:
Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company?
I earned my undergraduate degrees in primary school education and special education (K–18). I have completed postgraduate work in Montessori education, Orton-Gillingham Language Speech/Language Therapy, Montessori Teacher Training, Brain Gym Kinesiology, and I am a certified PADI divemaster. I have over 28 years of classroom experience as a teacher, therapist, and education specialist.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
The Amsterdam location was originally a private bilingual school called The Little Universe. The Winford School Group (which runs private Dutch primary and secondary schools) bought The Little Universe in 2019, making Winford Bilingual Amsterdam their flagship bilingual school.
Marc Peters, CEO, feels strongly about bilingual education and would love to see more bilingual schools in the Netherlands. “The long-held dream of offering bilingual education is catching on, with a concept that is close to our hearts. With this, we offer children from the age of four the opportunity to immerse themselves in bilingual education and the associated cultural experience.”
What has made you successful? What do you value?
Winford Bilingual Primary School is the only total immersion, dual language primary school in the Netherlands. Winford Bilingual is unique in its teaching methods, its varied curricula, and the time dedicated to both languages. If you are looking for a school that helps your child become truly bilingual, curious, independent, with a sense of community, and with a love for learning, Winford Bilingual is for you!
Which are the major services of the company and how do the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
We are proud to offer:
- All subjects taught equally 50% in English and 50% in Dutch.
- Two teachers per class (parallel teaching) Ÿ Small class sizes
- Multi aged/Multi level classrooms
- A mix of International and Dutch students
- Flexible holidays
- Home-made warm vegetarian lunches
We teach 3 curricula:
- The Dutch National Curriculum
- The U.K. National Curriculum
- The International Primary Curriculum (IPC)
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
Winford Bilingual Primary School is very much a family school, and we work hard to create positive relationships between all staff, children, and parents. We take pride in the values of our school community by focusing strongly on fostering kindness, tolerance and respect for each other and for our wider community.
How does it work?
Winford Bilingual offers a truly bilingual education in Dutch and English. All subjects are taught equally in both languages, which means 50/50. Each class has two teachers: one who teaches all the subjects in Dutch, and one who teaches all the subjects in English. What makes it special is that both teachers teach at the same time, but it is not co-teaching. The class will be split into two sections. Half of the class will have a lesson with the Dutch teacher and the other half will have a different lesson with the English teacher. After each lesson has finished, the children switch to the other teacher. This happens consistently throughout the day, ensuring the children get used to transitioning quickly in both languages.
- Montessori values:
Although Winford Bilingual is not officially a Montessori school, its approach to teaching and learning draws heavily on the Montessori philosophy. The classrooms are designed to encourage all students to be independent and to move at their own pace as much as possible. A love of learning in each child and a curiosity about the world around them are encouraged, which will last for the rest of their lives.
- Our curricula:
Winford Bilingual uses three curricula, which gives parents more variety when choosing a secondary school (high school) in the future. As Winford is a private B3 school, all subjects taught in Dutch follow the Dutch National Curriculum, and the CITO test is included. All subjects taught in English follow the U.K. National Curriculum. Enquiry based units of work are also followed via the International Primary Curriculum.
- More Secondary School choices:
The combination of these three curricula means equal lesson instruction in both languages gives the children many Secondary School options. Some examples are Dutch Secondary Schools, International or British Secondary Schools, or local English-speaking schools abroad.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
We see our program as constantly evolving. All of our staff are very involved in professional development and open to new ideas.
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes?
We value and rely on teamwork. It takes a team to produce our results.
What is the happiest part of your daily routine?
Greeting the children each morning as they come in to school.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Lead your staff in the same way that you lead a classroom, collaboratively, consistently, and kindly
