Bulletin - North American Montessori Teachers` Association
Transcription
Bulletin - North American Montessori Teachers` Association
Bulletin NAMTA MAY 2010 Concentration...................................................................................................................... 1 NAMTA 2010-2011 Conference Schedule . ........................................................................ 7 Advertisements.................................................................................................................... 8 Concentration by Trevor Eissler Trevor Eissler’s matter-of-fact style and practical understanding of Montessori have enabled him to reach a national audience. His book, Montessori Madness, conveys a researched Montessori perspective that is easy for parents to appreciate and to use with their children. Eissler has made it his personal mission to help Montessorians market their educational product without dumbing it down. By using principles, not buzzwords, he gives parents a way of seeing their children from the developmental perspective with a healthy dose of plain common sense. Maria Montessori commiserated with teachers facing unruly, capricious, disorderly, timid, slothful, aimless, or clumsy children. She was well aware of “the little hell … that could break loose in these children,” overwhelming the teacher and the classroom (The Absorbent Mind 268). (As parents, we are familiar with this “little hell” at home!) Without observing a Montessori classroom, it is difficult for parents to understand how teachers promote learning using none of the rewards and punishments common in traditional schools. Montessori’s solution was to give the teacher one task, which she must do above all else. The teacher must prepare the environment of the classroom in such a way as to allow the child to concentrate. That is, to concentrate freely on a self-chosen task for as long as his interest is held. The object of his concentration must “arouse such an interest that it engages the child’s whole personality” (206). To Montessori’s astonishment, such simple and intense concentration caused all the negative traits children exhibit to miraculously fade away. It is what Montessori called “the most important single result of our whole work” (204). Casa dei Bambini, Nepal Trevor Eissler, father of three Montessori students, is a business jet pilot and flight instructor. Over the last fifteen years, he has taught hundreds of pilots, from beginners to professional pilots. He is an author, a juggler, a unicyclist, a Toastmaster, a pianist, a triathlete, and a husband. He wants to be a Montessori student when he grows up. Excerpted by permission from Montessori Madness! A Parent to Parent Argument for Montessori Education, copyright © 2009 Trevor Eissler. Available from www.montessorimadness.com. 1 Once children are regularly choosing their work—freely, spontaneously, and without help—and once they are concentrating on that work for an extended period, they become what Montessori called “normalized.” This ominous-sounding word actually has a quite pleasant meaning: The normalized child has simply “return[ed] to a normal state through work” (Montessori, The Secret of Childhood 185). He is developing normal, healthy traits. Gone is the dependence, the disorder, the aimlessness, the laziness. Normalized children are hard workers, disciplined, and sociable. Montessori witnessed this phenomenon over and over again. It was also a great surprise to her to see children emerge from a period of intense concentration so rested, joyful, and sociable. Surely they should be tired and irritable—like adults after a day at the office. But deep concentration is apparently a different kind of work to children—it is life-giving and invigorating; it is love. Teachers cannot demand this normalization. They cannot state, “You will concentrate on this for the next forty-five minutes.” Work must be self-chosen. As adults we don’t wait for our hobbies to be assigned to us. Even considering our careers, the most satisfied and often successful people we meet are those who do what they love. This is no different for children. There is quite a difference between the state of concentration sought in Montessori classrooms versus the “occupation”—busywork—used in traditional classrooms to keep the kids occupied until the next bell rings (206). Busywork is assigned. Concentration is chosen. Would it be unreasonable to assert that this little girl’s intense and spontaneous concentration on long division one morning was worth more to her than months of math class? Is it safe to say the depth of her concentration has etched the principles of long division into her brain more clearly than dozens of stupefying chalkboard lessons and homework assignments? A teacher at my children’s school shared the following example with me. A little girl in her class had shown an interest in long division one morning. The teacher demonstrated some examples to her, and the girl had gone off by herself to create and calculate her own division problems. Some time later the teacher glanced over at the girl to check on her progress and noticed her numbers nearing the bottom of the piece of paper. The girl had started with a simple division problem: a single-digit divisor and a two- or three-digit dividend. However, after finding the quotient of these numbers, she had added another digit to the dividend so that she could continue the calculation. The dividend in the hundreds became a dividend in the thousands, which became ten thousands, and then hundred thousands. She didn’t stop there. Millions, billions, trillions. The teacher, thinking quickly, quietly brought another sheet of paper and some tape to the girl. Without saying anything, she helped the girl tape another piece of paper to the bottom of the first. The teacher withdrew, and the girl kept on calculating. Hours later, when the girl decided she was done, there were so many sheets of paper taped to each other that when the teacher grabbed a stool and taped the first sheet to the ceiling, the last one hung all the way to the floor! What a missed opportunity it would have been if the student had been in a traditional classroom that day. Most likely, when the “worksheet” had been completed, teacher would have said, “Good job,” breaking the student’s concentration and indicating that her work was done and she should now do something else. Would it be unreasonable to assert that this little girl’s intense and spontaneous concentration on long division one morning was worth more to her than months of math class? Is it safe to say the depth of her concentration has etched the principles of long division into her brain more clearly than dozens of stupefying chalkboard lessons and homework assignments? Better yet, this girl is learning to be fearless around numbers—she’s playing with them. If she can calculate a long division problem on a number in the trillions, the prospect of algebra or calculus is not going to give her the slightest hesitation five or ten years hence. She knows numbers. She owns the knowledge. Another teacher at my children’s school told a similar story. She recalled how a small group of children in her class had been learning about the ancient Egyptians and how they had surveyed land along the Nile River using only rope and the geometric principles of the right triangle. Most 2 of the group of students then moved on to other activities, but two of the boys wanted to know more about it. The teacher brought out a rope, demonstrated some of the ways to manipulate it to measure area using triangles, and gave them the rope. Over the next hour, the two boys measured and mapped the perimeter of the classroom using the rope-and-triangle method of the ancient Egyptians. After lunch they decided to measure the garden. By the end of the afternoon, as the teacher peeked out the window now and then, they had measured the entire playground! This was not an assignment, they were not getting graded, and no test was planned. It was pure concentration on a fascinating subject. The teacher had no idea this particular interest would take hold. But she knew that discoveries like this happen every day in a Montessori class. She knew it was her responsibility to be ready to prepare and tweak the environment (in this case to show the rope’s usefulness) at a moment’s notice. Choosing what to learn is the first step in taking control of one’s education. Being able to concentrate on it is the next step. The final step is the child’s realization that, at the end of a piece of work, he has a new ability, a new understanding, or a newfound power. One key to creating an environment that provides the opportunity for thirty children to concentrate is allowing for an uninterrupted three-hour work period. In the traditional classroom, the day is divided into fifty-minute periods for older children (for each academic subject) or twenty- to thirtyminute segments for younger kids (for group singing, games, arts and crafts, story time, etc.). In the Montessori classroom it is recognized that the children are not all going to be interested in the same thing at the same time, no matter how persuasive the teacher. In order to maximize the chance for each student to concentrate deeply on something at least once every day, the concept of an unbroken three-hour period was developed. This way, instead of consistently butting heads with the children, cajoling, or pleading with them to pay attention, the teacher can follow each child’s lead. A three-hour work period allows enough time for daydreaming, socializing, and observing the projects on which classmates are working, while still allowing every child a chance to spontaneously find an interest and concentrate for an uninterrupted length of time. Contrary to popular opinion, young children can develop quite lengthy attention spans. I have seen it. In considering the importance of attention spans, I am reminded of one of my favorite books, The Road Less Traveled, by M. Scott Peck. Peck points out that when we like something (a first car) or someone (a friend), we like to be around that thing or that person. When “like” rises to “love,” we go out of our way to prioritize our schedules to spend time with that which we love. He writes that love without effort is meaningless. “Love, then, is a form of work … directed towards the nurture of our own or another’s spiritual growth.… The principal form that the work of love takes is attention.… When we love ourselves we attend to our own growth.… Attention is an act of will” (120). I believe the concentration emphasized by Montessori is a form of love, too. A child demonstrates a love for himself through his concentration on the objects, ideas, and discoveries around him. Concentration is the child’s work; he concentrates for the growth of his own “spirit”—the construction of his own self. When children strengthen and lengthen their attention spans day after day through practice in concentration, they increase their capacity to love themselves. Similarly, when we adults unintentionally take steps to decrease their attention spans by allowing regular TV watching, or schooling with interruptions and limitations, or rewards and punishments, we decrease their capacity to concentrate and their capacity to love. I wonder if concentration is the last vestige of the absorbent mind. Maria Montessori thought the qualities of the absorbent mind were gone after age six: the effortless learning, the spongelike absorption of knowledge directly into the formation of the self. I wonder if we still get a hint of what it was like to be of the absorbent mind when we are deep in concentration—deep “in the zone.” Montessori wrote, “After concentration will come perseverance” (217). One of my children’s teachers mentioned that the students in her class loved to watch “the sequence of actions.” They were fascinated by the well-ordered steps for putting on and taking off jackets and shoes, the steps for cooking, the steps for various chores. Perseverance is the visualization of the steps necessary to reach a goal, combined with the confidence and discipline to accomplish those steps. This harks back to John Taylor Gatto’s lament that his students had a poor feel for the relationship between 3 past and present, between present and future (xi-xii). Through the practice of concentration, the connection between these time relationships becomes more concrete; things don’t just “happen,” they are the result of one person persevering and changing the world around him. How is this deep concentration achieved? In traditional schools teachers stand at the front of the class and demand, “Pay attention!” “Do your own work!” and “If you want an A [or if you don’t want to fail] you’re going to have to concentrate!” A Montessori school uses a different approach. A prepared environment is required to allow normalization by Connections are discovered through means of concentration. The teacher first attends to the concentration. Questions such as materials before attending to the children. She makes “Is this going to be on the test?” or sure everything is in good working order, clean, unbro“Why do we have to learn this?” ken, and enticing. The teacher prepares the environment become irrelevant when the child and waits. When the teacher does give one-on-one help, she sits with the child, side-by-side, together working already knows exactly why he is with the material. She tries to attract the student’s atlearning a topic. The reason for dotention to the materials, not to herself. She is careful ing something is obvious to him. The not to interrupt once she notices a student concentratchild can see the connection himself; ing. And if several of the children are still aimless and he even chooses the connection unfocused, she quietly invites small groups to come watch her demonstrate one or another of the particular himself. It makes sense to him and materials she deems appropriate to their developmental thus holds his interest. needs. Maria Montessori used the term “seductive” to describe the way the teacher should try to entice the unfocused children to a particular material by showing her own interest and fascination with it. At times she should invite a small group to hear a general lesson or story that might provide a spark and an idea to a child for an avenue of exploration. She might tell the story of the beginning of human writing, leaving each child the opportunity to choose part of the story for further study (hieroglyphics, cuneiform, timelines, foreign languages, calligraphy, further reading on the topic). The point of these methods of achieving concentration is not to teach the children through the teacher’s words, but to attract them to the materials, to provide an environment wherein they can choose interests on which to concentrate, and to allow their wonderful natural abilities and traits to flourish. Concentration in a Montessori class involves much more than “Keep your eyes on your own paper!” Earlier I used the metaphor of a construction site when describing the roles of the absorbent mind and the sensitive periods in the child’s construction of himself. Picture a large construction crane as the heavy lifter of this process. But in order for the crane to work effectively, it has to be operated with great concentration. At first the child is unable to concentrate, causing the crane to lurch back and forth; it billows smoke and the boom swings dangerously, unable to grasp the appropriate block. Like the crane, the child is casting about blindly—touching everything, knocking things over, spilling—searching for that one critical block designed to be placed in one specific location. Concentration makes the crane turn and extend smoothly, precisely; it is the steady hand that selects the particular block required and guides it to the necessary location. One inevitable result of the emphasis on self-directed concentration is that children learn to take ownership of their education. This gives children power—the power they crave as they mature from dependence toward independence. This use of power is fun, intoxicating, and, unlike many other uses of power, it doesn’t hurt anyone else. I remember experiencing this positive power in my thirties. I had always had an aversion to public speaking. Not a mild discomfort, but a heart-pounding, pore-sweating, voice-shaking, knee-knocking fear. I can’t count the missed opportunities I’ve had over the years due to my fear. The day finally came when I took ownership of my public speaking skills. My boss informed me that my position was to have the added responsibility of conducting a teaching session to a small group of co-workers once every few months. My immediate thought was, “I’ll just take a demotion and a pay cut and let somebody else do it.” Over the next few days, I thought about it some more. A demotion? A pay cut? Am I crazy? I realized the time had come for me to do something about my fear. Things had changed since the days when I was in school dreading giving book reports. I now had power. I had experience and competence. That’s one of the good things about getting older; there are so many things you can do. I realized that now, in 4 Courtesy of Lynn Lillard Jessen my thirties, I finally had the power to address this obstacle that had seemed insurmountable. The next day I joined the local Toastmasters public speaking club. I have marveled since then at my own progress. Outwardly, I think my speaking ability has improved only modestly. However, the inner progress is phenomenal. I recall with stark clarity the precise moment the lion’s share of this progress was made. It was before I became an experienced speaker. It was before I even gave my first speech with the club. It was the moment I walked in the door at the very first meeting. All of a sudden I wasn’t someone who avoided giving speeches; I was someone who sought out opportunities to speak! I was in charge. I looked forward to the meetings every week. I signed up to speak as often as they would let me. Along the way, my overwhelming fear morphed into merely an adrenaline high, something more akin to jumping off a high dive or riding a fast motorcycle. The power to own the progress of my public speaking ability has been a revelation. It has been a gift to myself that keeps on giving. Children in Montessori schools are learning to own their personal development. They are learning to take control through the process of self-directed concentration. They are learning day after day, year after year: If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish what you set out to do—a saying we all heard frequently in our traditional-school upbringing. Unfortunately, the teachers there talked the talk but didn’t allow us to walk the walk. We didn’t concentrate deeply. Instead we learned not to put our mind to it, not to care about anything too deeply, and not to become too interested in anything. Teachers in traditional schools expend a lot of effort to keep students occupied. But unfortunately, when students choose to do something on their own, they are often told, “No, it’s not time to work on that now.” Choosing what to learn is the first step in taking control of one’s education. Being able to concentrate on it is the next step. The final step is the child’s realization that, at the end of a piece of work, he has a new ability, a new understanding, or a newfound power. Montessori schools take concentration seriously. By preparing the environment to be filled with possibilities for useful work, not busywork, they respect the practice of concentration. The practical life areas of the classroom incorporate many tasks such as cleaning, sweeping, tying, and polishing. However, even advanced and abstract skills can be learned by means of useful activities. For writing practice, instead of completing worksheets (which are graded and then thrown in the trash), children write such things as grocery lists—then put them to use at the store. They write sentences with directions for other kids to follow: “Walk across the room, pick up a pencil, and bring it back to me.” They write reports to be presented to their classmates. Older children engage in more advanced writing, which includes composing an organized argument for a particular point of view. This argument may be given to another student to read and, in turn, write a counterargument. The first student has the opportunity to respond to the counterargument. These students are developing the skill of exchanging ideas—real communication. The older students also write extensively in journals. This enables them to keep track of their own progress on various projects and skills. Through these ideas and others, teachers continually try to keep class work useful to daily life. It is intriguing to see the unexpected real-life interests children have when they’re not distracted by cartoon characters. My kids went through a stage when they loved to pretend they were waiters and waitresses, taking orders on a piece of paper. This was before they could even spell words. They would come up to my wife and me and ask us what we would like to eat. I might answer, “Lasagna and mashed potatoes, please.” They’d answer something like, “Lasagna and mashed potatoes … um”—with a serious, thoughtful expression—“that comes with rice or beans [or whatever side they could think of].” 5 “I’ll have the rice, please.” “We don’t have rice!” my daughter sometimes answered. “I’d like beans, then,” I would say. My kids would write squiggles across the page—nice, neat squiggles from left to right and within the ruled lines. They were doing purposeful work. They had seen waiters, knew the reason for their work, and knew the sequence for taking orders. While freely concentrating on this useful work, they were learning to write and in their minds making the connection between writing and communication—not between writing and grades. Connections are discovered through concentration. Questions such as “Is this going to be on the test?” or “Why do we have to learn this?” become irrelevant when the child already knows exactly why he is learning a topic. The reason for doing something is obvious to him. The child can see the connection himself; he even chooses the connection himself. It makes sense to him and thus holds his interest. Sometimes the connections children make are not obvious to adults. When my kids were toddlers and first started pretending to talk on the telephone, I was surprised that they never used an object such as a banana, which I would have thought they’d use for such phone-talk. No, they’d pick up a calculator, or a small, flat block. I realized—in this age of electronic gizmos—that was the only shape they had ever seen associated with a phone! The connection between that shape and a phone made perfect sense to them, but not to me. A student’s path to understanding a concept will almost certainly be different than that planned in a syllabus. Each person thinks differently. To a student, the flow of the syllabus is not necessarily logical. However, when the student comes across a concept during a self-led learning process, by definition it does fit logically into his train of thought. Trevor Eissler For more advanced studies in far-flung fields such as fractions, the U.S. Constitution, or photosynthesis, self-directed learning allows children to make their own connections between what they already know and how the new material fits best into their own understanding. Instead of showing up in class one day and hearing, “Class, today we’re learning fractions,” the Montessori student will inevitably come across a problem he’s trying to solve for which the study of fractions provides a useful solution. In getting to the bottom of the relevant issue (maybe how to accurately divide a pizza for lunch among several friends), the learning of fractions fits in logically with his daily life. The time to learn fractions is then, at that moment! This approach lets the children figure out the connections that make sense to them. It lets them form stronger connections between past and present, visualizing how prior knowledge relates to present knowledge and applying this connection to shape their own learning process in the future. References Gatto, John Taylor. Dumbing Us Down. Philadelphia: New Society Publishers, 2002. Montessori, Maria. The Absorbent Mind. 1959. Trans. Claude A. Claremont. New York: Holt, 1995. Montessori, Maria. The Secret of Childhood. 1936. Trans. M. Joseph Costelloe. New York: Ballantine, 1972. Peck, M. Scott. The Road Less Traveled. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1978. 6 NAMTA 2010-2011 Conference Schedule Baltimore, MD u October 7-10, 2010 Sheraton Columbia Hotel The Essential Montessori Science: Whole-School Implementation Atlanta, GA u November 11-14, 2010 The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North Hotel Universality of the Three-Period Lesson: Accenting the Importance of the Learner Houston, TX u January 20-23, 2011 Doubletree Intercontinental Airport Hotel Self-Expression: Integrating Literacy, the Arts, and Media Long Beach, CA u February 18-21, 2011 Renaissance Long Beach Hotel (Accommodations) Hyatt Regency (Conference Events) The NAMTA Annual Adolescent Conference The Montessori Adolescent: Where Did We Come From? Where Do We Go From Here? Seattle, WA u March 10-13, 2011 Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue Nature’s Role in Human Development 7 Advertisements California The Child Unique Montessori School seeks warm, motivated and adaptable Certified Montessori Teacher. We offer a competitive salary package, health insurance, childcare discount and vacation pay. Candidates must speak and write English fluently. Bachelor’s Degree preferred; Spanish a plus. Resume and cover letter to: The Child Unique Montessori School 2225 Encinal Ave. Alameda, CA 94501 510-521-9227 Fax: 510-521-9246 [email protected] Head Teachers—Golden Oak Montessori public charter school in Hayward, CA, is seeking UE and LE teachers for August 2010. Must be AMI or AMS certified with experience as a Montessori head teacher. Must have California state teaching certificate or be willing to enroll in a credentialing program. Join our inspired, hard working community of educators and parents dedicated to building a remarkable public charter Montessori elementary through middle school. Live and work in the San Francisco Bay Area. Go to www.goldenoakmontessori.org. Send resume to Deirdre@ goldenoakmontessori.org. Salary compensatory with experience and education. Health benefits and professional development stipend. adjacent to Berkeley, and top cultural attractions. The Renaissance School enjoys a wonderful park setting, a strong and highly credentialed faculty, an enthusiastic and supportive parent community, and solid administrative leadership. Our school currently enrolls 176 students, from age two through age twelve, which will be increasing to over 200 students by September 2010. We pride ourselves in our extensive Music, Art and Multilingual programs. We offer either French or Spanish dual immersion classrooms at the Primary level, and an opportunity to learn in all three languages at the Elementary level. To address our immediate growing needs, we are looking for experienced, enthusiastic and dynamic AMI certified guides for the following levels: Native Spanish and English speaking Primary guides Native English, French and Spanish speaking Elementary guides Salary commensurate with experience and education, benefits offered. If you feel that you would be an asset to our school, please send your resume and cover letter explaining how you think you could contribute to the program to: Rosario Toward Assistant Head of School The Renaissance School 3668 Dimond Avenue Oakland, CA 94602 Phone: 510-531-8566 Fax: 510-531-8055 E-mail: [email protected] www.TheRenaissanceSchool.org Primary Teacher needed starting Summer and/or Fall 2010. Rainbow Bridge Montessori School is a well-established school founded in 1980. Located in Cotati, 50 miles north of San Francisco, close to the Ocean and Wine Country. One Toddler and two Primary classrooms, three beautiful environments in a country-like setting. Very wellFREE CATALOG 800 •214 • 8959 Practical Life Specialists known school supported by parents and the community. Staff includes professional resources of psychologists, Pouring • Polishing • Washing • Cooking occupational therapists, speech and language therapist, Cleaning Up • Gardening • Sewing • Woodworking behavioralists, and an educational consultant. Over 500 Carefully Selected Items First-year teachers welcome. Temporary living quarters Preparing the Environment • Art • Music • History available. Please email resume or contact Juli Inman, Geography • Science • Sensorial • Language AMI Administrator and teacher for 31 years: Resource Books • Peace Education 21 William St. Elementary Materials Cotati, CA 94931 707-795-6666 [email protected] Teaching Positions Available Founded in 1992, The Renaissance School is located in Oakland, the eastern side of the San Francisco Bay, montessoriservices.com 8 for smallhands.com Your Resource for Preparing the Child’s Environment since 1976 River Montessori Charter School Seeking Montessori-Certified 6 to 9 and 9 to 12 Elementary Teachers River Montessori Charter School, founded in the fall of 2009, is seeking experienced, Montessori-certified 6 to 9 and 9 to 12 elementary teachers to join our staff for the upcoming school year. The school is located in beautiful Petaluma, California, just 40 minutes from San Francisco and the Napa Valley wine country. Appropriate Montessori certification required. Must have or be working toward a California credential. Flexibility and humor required. Public school experience preferred. Spanish a plus. Please go to www.rivermontessori.org/employment.html for additional details. Contact: [email protected] Pacific Rim International School (PRINTS) is seeking AMI trained teachers who are native speakers of either English, Mandarin or Japanese for the Infant Community, Children’s House and Elementary Community. The position is ideal for teachers who will thrive in a multi-lingual, international, and close-knit school community that is deeply committed to Dr. Montessori’s philosophy. Our AMI-accredited school offers Mandarin-English and Japanese-English language environments; individuals with experience and fluency in one of these languages are highly preferred (bilingualism is not required). We are willing to sponsor those already applying to take Montessori training or those with plans for doing so. The premises, with beautiful landscaping, are architecturally designed to meet the needs of Montessori programs. We have two sites. One campus is located in the small city of Emeryville, on the East Side of San Francisco Bay (north of Oakland and south of Berkeley). Our second campus is in San Mateo, on the West Side of San Francisco Bay, South of San Francisco. Please send resume to: Pacific Rim International School 454 Peninsula Ave. San Mateo, CA 94401 Tel: 650-685-1881 Fax: 650-685-1820 www.pacificriminternationalschool.org [email protected] Connecticut Great Beginnings is seeking a Director with strong leadership and organizational skills for our primary school. The Director must be an AMS or AMI Montessori trained teacher with classroom experience and possess a graduate degree. Computer skills and an understanding of financial management are necessary as well. Duties include oversight and planning of the program, admissions, parent communication and correspondence, hiring, staff and classroom supervision, financial management, and working with the Board of Advisors. Great Beginnings was incorporated as a not-for-profit in 1996 and is located in the educational wing of a church in downtown Fairfield, CT, minutes from the waters of Long Island sound and the train station to NYC and New Haven. We currently enroll 58 children aged 2.9-6 years of age in three classrooms. Our staff includes an AMS trained Montessori head teacher and trained assistant in each class, a hall/ bathroom monitor, a Spanish teacher (one day a week), the Director and an office assistant. The children enjoy outdoor play on an adjoining playground. Phone: 203-254-8208 Email: [email protected] CREC Montessori Magnet School Exciting Opportunity in Hartford, CT: Elementary Trained Teachers Needed CREC Montessori Magnet School is seeking Elementary teachers. Teachers must have an AMI Diploma and qualify for a CT State Teaching Certificate. Experience preferred and public school experience a plus. Excellent salary and great benefit package in a supportive public Montessori environment. Be a part of an innovative public school experience For further information contact Melissa Gagne 860-757-6117 or mgagne@ crec.org. To apply please log onto www.crec.org. Contact: Melissa Gagne, [email protected] Phone: 860-757-6117 The Montessori School in Wilton, Connecticut, seeks an experienced AMI-certified Elementary Teacher to begin in August 2010 as our program expands. We welcome a dedicated, fun loving, hard working individual to bring their talents and skills to our children and families. Committed to diversity, The Montessori School community is inclusive and depends on the tenets of collaborative relationships and respect. The school believes in sharing what we have with those in need and encouraging children to learn to live responsibly in the world. Located in Lower Fairfield Country, we offer a competitive salary package. Interested candidates may send their resume to the attention of Mary Zeman via e-mail to MaryZ@ themontessorischool.com. District of Columbia Latin American Montessori Bilingual Public Charter School LAMB offers a unique model that provides Bilingual (English and Spanish) Montessori Public Education to diverse, urban families in the Nation’s Capital. We are seeking experienced English and Spanish Primary, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary teachers for the 2010-2011 school year. Please submit your resume to [email protected] and cristina@ lambpcs.org. Florida Upper Elementary Directress position available at The Amelia Island Montessori School. Candidates should have a four year degree with Montessori Certification from a MACTE accredited program in the elementary area with at least 3 years teaching experience. Competitive salary, professional 9 development and staff discounts available. Benefits include medical, retirement and life insurance. Amelia Island Montessori School PO Box 3000 Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 904-261-6610 Fax: 904-261-6196 Teachers of Ages 3-6, 6-9, 9-12 Candidates hold Montessori certification & Bachelors Degree Experience preferred. Competitive pay and benefits Turtle River Montessori, Jupiter, FL 561-745-1995 [email protected] The Montessori Elementary Charter School in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the position of Principal. We are a free public charter school, offering an alternative to traditional education in Monroe County, Florida. Credentials required: Master Degree or Higher, Montessori Elementary Certification, Florida (or other State) Educational Leadership Certificate, or Florida Educator Certificate. Skills required: proven leadership, excellent organization, and exceptional communication. Benefits offered: competitive salary commensurate with education and experience, health benefits, employer contribution to 401K. Send cover letter/resume to: Montessori Elementary Charter School 1127 United St. Key West, FL 33040 Attn: Staffing Committee Or e-mail: [email protected] Visit our site: www.keywestmontessori.com WASHINGTON MONTESSORI INSTITUTE AT LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MARYLAND GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN MONTESSORI EDUCATION WHEN MINDS EXPLORE MINDS ABSORB DEVELOPING MINDS THRIVE UNDER A “PLEASE TOUCH” POLICY. SPONTANEOUS INTERACTION WITH THE ENVIRONMENT. NATURAL DISCOVERY THROUGH THE SENSES. CREATIVE USE OF IMAGINATION. WE PREPARE MONTESSORI EDUCATORS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN. PRIMARY AND ELEMENTARY ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMS NEW MULTI-SUMMER ELEMENTARY COHORT BEGINS IN 2010 LEARN MORE AT WWW.LOYOLA.EDU/MONTESSORI 410-617-5020 A NEW DIRECTION IN EDUCATION. FORWARD. School of Education IN AFFILIATION WITH ASSOCIATION MONTESSORI INTERNATIONALE Palm Harbor Montessori Academy, with a beautiful 5-acre campus located on the west coast of Florida, seeks Lead Teachers for Toddler, Primary, Senior Elementary and Middle School levels. Please e-mail resume and letter of interest to [email protected] or fax to 727-786-5160. Palm Harbor Montessori Academy 2355 Nebraska Avenue Palm Harbor, FL 34683 Fax: 727-786-5160 www.floridamontessori.com E-mail: [email protected] Georgia Montessori Schools of Georgia are seeking a pedagogical administrator, and an AMI primary guide. We are a mature AMI organization with three campuses in beautiful Atlanta, Georgia. Our classrooms are generously equipped and our guides share a deep appreciation for the ideals of Montessori pedagogy in a collaborative environment. The atmosphere is very congenial and professional with an appreciative and enthusiastic parent body. We cater to the whole child in today’s world. Come see why Atlanta is an exciting and vibrant place to live, both personally and professionally. Our schools provide a supportive work environment, highly competitive salary, medical benefits, matching 401K, and a relocation bonus. Perhaps you are an experienced AMI trained guide, considering a career in administration? We can give you the support you need to be an effective administrator. We encourage you to contact us and explore the possibilities in strict confidence. Qualified candidates may 10 email your resume to: [email protected] or call Tom Podgorny at 404-593-6650. Montessori Teacher Needed Jewish Montessori Day School has a position available for a certified Montessori teacher beginning August 2010. This position is for a credentialed lead early elementary directress with experience in teaching. This is a team teaching position working with a certified Judaics teacher. This position will also have administrative duties. Chaya Mushka Children’s House is a warm and vibrant Jewish Montessori school located in beautiful Sandy Springs, a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. The candidate should have genuine warmth and love for children. She should possess excellent communication, organizational and social skills. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Please contact: Dassie New 404-843-9582/404-849-2902 Email: [email protected] Montessori Discovery Place [email protected] www.montessoridiscoveryplace.org Maine Damariscotta Montessori School, an established Montessori school on the scenic coast of Maine, is seeking a 3-6 trained (AMI or AMS) lead teacher for the fall of 2010. We are looking to add a teacher to our staff who possesses warmth, excitement, sense of humor and a passion for the Montessori philosophy. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, state teaching certification (or willingness to pursue), excellent communication and organizational skills and classroom experience. We offer a competitive salary, benefits, a supportive environment and a close knit staff. Interested candidates please contact: Chip DeLorenzo, Director Phone: 207-563-2168 Email: [email protected] Web: www.damariscottamontessori.org Indiana The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes We are seeking a dynamic and passionate certified Montessori educator for a fully equipped and beautiful Montessori class that serves homeless children. TMA partners with a residential homeless center to offer this program for the Early Childhood level. The position requires excellent organization skills, ability to serve as spokesperson for the Montessori Method and the liaison for the TMA and Center partnership. Salary and benefits are competitive and recognize experience and education. Resumes submitted to: Email: [email protected] Fax: 574-256-5313 530 E. Day Road Mishawaka, IN 46545 TMA is an AMS accredited school for toddlers through the adolescent level, located near South Bend, IN. New Mexico Elementary Guide needed. Enthusiastic, experienced team player to promote an authentic Montessori learning environment at Escuela del Sol. Escuela is New Mexico’s oldest independent not-for-profit Montessori school. We value the arts, outdoor education and social responsibility, and enjoy a supportive parent body. Competitive salaries, a first-rate reputation, great benefits, a diverse student body, a beautiful facility and the opportunity to live in the Land of Enchantment are just a few of the reasons to send a letter and resume to: 1114 Seventh St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 www.escueladelsol.org Escuela del Sol is Albuquerque’s oldest and finest Montessori school. We need a teacher certified for ages 9-12. We seek enthusiastic, dedicated team players to promote an authentic Kansas Montessori Discovery Place seeks loving, patient and energetic Infant Toddler Montessori Teachers for the fall 2010 school year. Our premier Primary Montessori program offered for 13 years is expanding to include an Infant Toddler program in a brand new building with beautiful outdoor classrooms and carefully-planned playscapes. Lawrence is a charming town, home to the University of Kansas and about an hour from Kansas City. We offer an attractive compensation package based on education and experience. International Applicants Welcome! Send Cover Letter and Resume to: Purviz Birdie, Director, AMI, ECE Montessori Institute Northwest Come to the beautiful Pacific Northwest for Montessori Teacher Training Primary Courses, every Academic Year Assistants to Infancy Summer Course 2010, 2011 Undergraduate and graduate credit also available through cooperating universities Contact us for more information 11 503.963.8992 [email protected] www.montessori-nw.org An official teacher training center of the Association Montessori Internationale MACTE Accredited Montessori learning environment. Escuela is an independent not-for-profit school. We value socio-economic, racial and cultural diversity, outdoor education and enjoy a supportive parent body. Competitive salaries, a first-rate reputation, great benefits, a diverse student body, a beautiful facility and the opportunity to live in the Land of Enchantment are just a few of the reasons to send a letter and resume to: 1114 Seventh St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 www.escueladelsol.org New York Montessori School of Syracuse in Central New York welcomes experienced Montessori trained teachers in primary and elementary classrooms. Beautiful ten-acre campus in a residential area next to Syracuse University and thirty-acre Land Laboratory nearby. Seven established classrooms with 175 enrolled students. Newly renovated, well equipped, spacious and bright classrooms; full contingent of Nienhuis Materials. Competitive salary; full health benefits. If you would like an opportunity to work with a collaborative team, supportive administration, parents and trustees, send cover letter and resume: Mary Lawyer O’Connor: [email protected] or 155 Waldorf Parkway Syracuse, NY 13224 And visit mssyr.com North Carolina Sterling Montessori Academy and Charter School is a tuition-based 3 and 4 year old Montessori program and a Kindergarten through Middle School Montessori Charter School. We are located in Morrisville, North Carolina, near Raleigh and close to Durham and Chapel Hill, equidistant from mountain recreation and the Coast of North Carolina. Sterling is accepting application for Primary, Lower and Upper Elementary Montessori trained teachers. Applicants must be state certified or be willing to participate in state licensure program. Please e-mail resumes to: [email protected]. The Montessori School of Raleigh seeks an experienced Music Resource Director/Directress for the fall of 2010. We are looking for a skilled teaching professional committed to Montessori pedagogy and devoted to elementary children to work collaboratively with classroom directors and/or directresses as a resource to both students and faculty. This position requires a high level of organization and flexibility to serve in this unique interdisciplinary and integrated approach. The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience in teaching music theory and composition with a variety of instruments (preference given to those with Music Education and/or Montessori Music training), strong communication and interpersonal skills and a commitment to ongoing professional growth. Now in its 35th year and with national notoriety, MSR is a school and employer of choice, offering teachers highly com- petitive salaries and benefits along with an exceptional workplace environment committed to collaboration, community and professional growth. MSR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is accredited by the American Montessori Society and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Please forward resumes with a cover letter to: Meg Thomas, Head of School, at [email protected]. Ohio South Suburban Montessori School is currently accepting applications for a Middle School director/ress for the 201011 school year. Ideal applicants should have Middle School teaching experience as well as a Montessori adolescent teaching credential from either the Association Montessori Internationale or the American Montessori Society. We offer spacious and well-equipped classrooms as well as competitive salaries, full benefits and training opportunities. Interested candidates may e-mail, fax or send their resume to: South Suburban Montessori School 4450 Oakes Road, #6 Brecksville, OH 44141 Phone: 440-526-1966 Fax: 440-526-6026 Email: [email protected] Hudson Montessori School in Hudson, Ohio, is seeking an experienced Children’s House teacher for August 2010. Founded in 1962, HMS currently serves 270 students—Toddler through Middle School. Our school is located in a small, historic town―a short commute from the cities of Cleveland and Akron. It has a dedicated faculty, well-equipped classrooms and beautiful facility and grounds. We are seeking energetic individuals with a proven commitment to excellence in Montessori education and a love of children. We offer excellent salaries, benefits and ongoing opportunities for professional development. If you would like to work with a collaborative team in a great school, are either AMI or AMS trained, please send a cover letter along with your resume to: Julia Brown, Head of School Hudson Montessori School 7545 Darrow Road Hudson, OH 44236 or E-mail to [email protected]. Attn: J. Brown Oregon Cascadia Montessori School, in the greater Portland, Oregon, area, is seeking an elementary teacher with AMI Montessori training and relevant classroom teaching experience to join our faculty for the 2010-2011 school year. Our ideal candidate encourages creative expression throughout the curriculum and supports community development at every level. Cascadia School is spaciously situated on a beautiful 2.5 acre campus bordered by a (public) 5 acre forest. We have 135 students enrolled in the 1st through 8th grades, with two lower elementary classes, two upper elementary and a middle 12 The Montessori Training Center of Minnesota school class encompassing 7th and 8th grades. Interested applicants should respond by email to David Drakos (school administrator) at [email protected]. Pennsylvania Enjoy the rewards of helping children develop in harmony with life… Upcoming Teacher Training Courses: Primary– Academic Year Course September 1, 2010 ~ B.A. and M.Ed. Options Director of Training: Molly O’Shaughnessy Clementine Montessori, a new MontesElementary– Three Summer Course sori in Center City Philadelphia, is seeking July 19, 2010 ~ M.Ed. Options a full-time primary teacher beginning in Director of Training: Alison Stern Awes 2010-2011 year. AMI or AMS certification Please visit our website to see pictures of our beautiful NEW building! required with four-year college degree. We plan to open in fall 2010 with a class of Contact us: 1611 Ames Ave, St Paul, MN 55106 Phone: 651-298-1120 15 to 20 children 3 to 4 years old. Work Website: www.mtcm.org E-mail: [email protected] in historic church in vibrant Philadelphia neighborhood. We are looking for an independent, confident self-starter who Texas is dedicated to Montessori. Fabulous opportunity to shape new Montessori community and establish its practices. Primary, Toddler and Elementary Guides Competitive salary and health-care benefits offered. Mini- Texas—Cedar Park Montessori School (Austin, Texas) mum three years experience preferred. Start in June or July. An AMI Accredited School. Please send resume to [email protected] Cedar Park Montessori School (CPMS), established in 1997 and rapidly expanding into multiple campuses, has new Clementine Montessori, a new Montessori in Center City openings for experienced Primary, Toddler and Elementary Philadelphia, is seeking an assistant teacher for the 2010AMI Guides. Timing for openings range from immediate (for 2011 year. Some Montessori education preferred. Competitive Primary Guides) to starting in summer of 2010 (all levels). salary and health-care benefits offered. Please send resume Signing bonuses provided for immediate availability. to [email protected]. The school and its well-established AMI programs are highly reputable in the Greater Austin and Central Texas areas, Valley Forge Kinder House (VFKH) Montessori School is enjoying multiple local and national accolades. We offer exaccepting applications for the position of primary guide for cellent compensation packages, professional development the 2010-2011 school year. VFKH Montessori, established in opportunities, relocation assistance, excellent facilities and 1977, is an AMI recognized school in the Philadelphia suburbs working environments with highly supportive management, with primary through 6th grade in well equipped classrooms. staff and families. Please submit resume with references and We are seeking a warm, professional, dedicated AMI guide salary history to: to join out thriving school community. VFKH offers a competiPhones: 512-260-2261, 512-259-8495; Fax: 512-259-4410 tive salary package. Interested candidates please send your Emails: [email protected], director@cedarresume to Susan Kelly via email at [email protected]. parkmontessori.com, [email protected] Contact: Susan Kelly Web: www.sapientiamontessori.com Phone: 610-489-5757 Fax: 610-489-6050 Immediate need for an AMI certified primary guide needed for an established Dallas AMI Pre-School. Located in the Upper Elementary Co-Head Teacher for 2010-2011. Full- heart of Dallas, Montessori Children’s House & School time position for candidate committed to join an established was lovingly founded in 1970. Successful applicants will be 9-12 classroom in a private, non-profit Montessori school. required to have an AMI primary diploma, 2 yrs. experience, Qualifications: state certification in Elementary education; good classroom management and communication skills, and AMS certification or willingness to take AMS training. Benefits dedicated Montessori philosophy. Employment to commence include: competitive salary; professional development, Mon- immediately. Salary commensurate with experience. Send tessori training, paid school holidays, sick leave, and personal resume, cover letter, and salary requirements via e-mail. No days off; peaceful, nurturing environment in fully-equipped phone calls please! Montessori classroom setting. Interested candidates should Contact: [email protected] send letter of interest along with resume to: Attn: Terri Modic, School Head PO Box 193 Sewickley, PA 15143 13 ling n: e ution rgamo - Italy 894 Fondazione Centro Internazionale Studi Montessoriani Bergamo’s year of advanced Montessori courses 2010-2011 “It is very interactive and goes beyond what we present to the children.” “Develops subject areas you never thought you would touch on.” Embracing the past, theis dense present, “Theenriching content of the course and intense and keepsenvisioning you on your toes.” the future... “The cultural side of living in Italy is fantastic. The small villages, art, paintings, the bells telling the time, beautiful and inspirational.” .it Emb For more information: Association Montessori Internationale International Centre for Montessori Studies Foundation 161, Koninginneweg 1075 CN Amsterdam - Holland Phone: + 31 20 6798932 Fax: + 31 20 6767341 [email protected] www.montessori-ami.org A non-profit educational institution (D.P.R. 27-9-1980, n. 931) Via Pignolo, 73 - 24121 Bergamo - Italy Fax & phone +39 035 234894 [email protected] www.montessoribergamo.it 14 St. Catherine’s Montessori invites AMI teachers to apply for positions available in Primary, Lower and Upper Elementary beginning August, 2010. We are the only Catholic Montessori School in Houston offering Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to students in Primary through Elementary in the beautifully equipped Atrium. Now in its 43rd year of continuous operation, St. Catherine’s has an enrollment of 250 students, ages fourteen months through fifteen years. We are the first LEED, (green) school in Texas and our building, outdoor environment and in-house practices follow the standards of healthy, best practices living. The school serves students from diverse cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States, home to multiple universities, arts, and sports institutions as well as a variety of ethnic communities, restaurants and shops. St. Catherine’s is within easy access of Reliant Stadium, Museum and Theatre District, Rice University and the Medical Center. To learn more about us, please visit our website at www.stcathmont.org. Please contact: Judy McCullough, Principal Telephone: 713-665-2195 Fax: 713-665-1478 E-mail: [email protected] or write to 9821 Timberside Houston, TX 77025 Montessori School Administrator/Director Montessori School (licensed enrollment 160 students: infants―school-age) located in Missouri City, Texas (Southwest Houston) is looking for an experienced School Administrator/ Director. The school is located in a new upscale community. Successful candidate will have Montessori certification, School Administrator Certification, and minimum Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, Human Resources, Psychology, Sociology, or any other related field. Must have a minimum of three years Now Accepting Applications for Summer 2010 Primary (3-6 years) Training Director of Training: Dr. Annette Haines in affiliation with Association Montessori Internationale Course Location: 14000 Ladue Road Chestereld, MO 63017 Montessori Training Center of St. Louis 8176 Lebanon Road, Troy, IL 62294 Tel: 618-667-4736 • Fax: 618-667-4736 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://ami.edu/mtcstl administrative experience in a Montessori school, Preschool, or other school administrative experience. Excellent business management and organizational skills. Able to supervise staff of approximately 15 teachers and Assistant Teachers; able to communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with the Board of Directors, parents, staff, children, and community. Information Technology skills a plus. Competitive Salary and Benefits. Send cover letter and credentials to: Email: [email protected] or Fax: 301-963-7449 The Montessori School of San Antonio seeks talented, Montessori-credentialed Lower and Upper Elementary lead teachers. College degree is required in addition to Montessori certification. Located in a residential neighborhood on 24 environmentally-protected acres, The Montessori School serves approximately 300 children from Primary through Middle School. The classroom building, designed especially for Montessori instruction, features spacious, airy classrooms and outdoor extensions. San Antonio, a cosmopolitan, culturally diverse city, enjoys a mild climate, large city amenities, and small town friendliness. The Montessori School offers a wonderful opportunity for teachers who are passionate about children and believe in the difference that a Montessori education can make. Salaries and benefits are competitive with better regional independent schools, and working conditions are exceptional. Please send a cover letter and résumé to [email protected]. The Clariden School announces an opening for an AMI Elementary teacher for an established 6-9 class for fall 2010. Established in 1986, Clariden serves approximately 170 children ages 3 to 18. Our mission is to help children become respectful, compassionate and contributing members of society by providing a strong academic, personal and social learning environment. The ideal candidate will feel a passionate connection to this mission, and will be dedicated to the school’s vision for bringing it to life. The Clariden School is a friendly community of committed faculty and staff, and very supportive parents. The school is located in Southlake, TX―a town with strong family values, and a positive economy. It was named the #1 D/FW Suburb by Texas’ D Magazine! Just 30 minutes from Dallas, or Fort Worth, there are numerous opportunities for cultural, entertainment, sports and nature activities. The beautiful 23-acre campus includes well equipped classroom environments, gardens, art room, music room, sports fields and gymnasium. A 300-acre public park and nature center is just across the street. We offer a generous compensation package including health, dental & life insurance, a 403b plan, paid time off, relocation allowance and tuition remission. We encourage and support professional development opportunities for our faculty. Applicants should hold an AMI diploma and have classroom teaching experience. Please call 682-237-0400 or send resume to ddeuel@ claridenschool.org. 15 Virginia The Old Town Montessori School is seeking an AMI certified primary directress to lead one of two primary classes at our Old Town Alexandria, VA, location for the 2010-2011 school year. Prior AMI accredited teaching experience is preferred. The Old Town Montessori School is the second campus of The Aquinas Montessori School. Established in 1987 and recognized by AMI, The Old Town Montessori School has two primary classrooms. Each student, upon completion of the primary program, is guaranteed enrollment in the elementary program at The Aquinas Montessori School. In 1965, The Aquinas Montessori School started with four primary classrooms and has grown to nine classrooms five primary, two lower elementary, two upper elementary on both campuses. We welcome the opportunity for applicants to visit us during the current school year. If you are interested, please send your resume via: Fax: 703-360-2875 Email: [email protected], or mail to 8334 Mount Vernon Highway Alexandria, VA 22309 to the attention of Kathleen H. Futrell The Aquinas Montessori School is seeking an AMI certified primary directress to lead one of three primary classes at our Mount Vernon location for the 2010-2011 school year. Prior AMI accredited teaching experience is preferred. The Aquinas Montessori School is situated on nearly two wooded acres close to Mount Vernon in Northern Virginia on property formerly owned by George Washington. Established in 1965 and recognized by AMI, Aquinas Montessori started with four primary classrooms and has grown to eight classrooms―five primary, two lower elementary, one upper elementary―on two campuses. We welcome the opportunity for applicants to visit us during the current school year. If you are interested, please send your resume via: Fax: 703-360-2875 Email: [email protected], or mail to 8334 Mount Vernon Highway Alexandria, VA 22309 to the attention of Kathleen H. Futrell Mountaintop Montessori (formerly Montessori Community School) in Charlottesville, Virginia, is seeking resumes from AMI Primary guides. MM is located near the University of Virginia, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, the Appalachian Trail and the Historic Downtown Pedestrian Mall. Charlottesville is a major educational and cultural center, enjoying a lively arts and music scene. The region supports a vibrant local foods movement and is known for its progressive community values. MM has a unique 9+-acre campus environment atop Pantops Mountain that incorporates the indoor and outdoor spaces, reflects our mission as stewards for the environment and allows the school to implement a vibrant Garden to Table program. MM is a nationally recognized Audubon Bird Sanctuary, a Wildlife Federation Site and the classroom buildings are nestled among trees and native gardens. Mountaintop Montessori offers a supportive administrative team, with an AMI Primary and Elementary trained Head of School, competitive salaries, employee health insurance, benefits and a dedication to ongoing professional growth and development. Our school is accredited by both the American Montessori Society and the Virginia Association of Independent Schools. Visit our web page at www.montessoripantops. org. Forward resumes to: Wendy Fisher Head of School [email protected] Siena Academy, a Catholic parish Montessori school in Great Falls, VA, is seeking a Head of School beginning July 2010. Siena Academy has Toddler, Children’s House, and Elementary programs with the Atrium as the heart of the school. The ideal candidate will have credentials and experience as a school administrator and hold AMI and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd certification with preferably 5 years experience as a Montessori Guide or Directress. Competitive salary and benefits including health, dental and vision insurance, sick leave, retirement, discounted tuition for faculty children, and one month summer vacation. Interested candidates should apply to [email protected]. Please email current resume with names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references. No phone calls to the school or church please. Hampton Roads International Montessori School is accepting applications for primary Montessori teachers for the 2010-2011. HRIMS is a not-for-profit school, governed by a Board of Trustees and lead by an AMI trained Head of School. We have an active and supportive parent body and have established an excellent reputation in our community. HRIMS is located in a socially, culturally and educationally diverse area. Close to historic Williamsburg and Virginia Beach resort, within driving distance from Washington, D.C., Blue Ridge Mountains and Outer Banks. Email resume and cover letter to Dorothy Knox at [email protected]. Visit us at www.hrimontessori.org. Washington Cascadia Montessori School, 20 minutes from downtown Portland in Vancouver, WA, is seeking an elementary teacher with AMI Montessori training and relevant classroom teaching experience to join our faculty for the 2010-2011 school year. Our ideal candidate encourages creative expression throughout the curriculum and supports community development at every level. Cascadia School is spaciously situated on a beautiful 2.5 acre campus bordered by a (public) 5 acre forest. We have 135 students enrolled in the 1st through 8th grades, with two lower elementary classes, two upper elementary and a middle school class encompassing 7th and 8th grades. Interested applicants should respond by email to David Drakos (school administrator) at [email protected]. 16 Seeking 9-12 teacher for fall 2010. Send cover letter, resume and three recommendation letters to Kim Feerer, Director Cedar Tree Montessori 2114 Broadway Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225. 360-714-1762 www.cedar-tree.org [email protected] Eco-friendly, forested coastal college town. Wisconsin The HAND is the instrument of the MIND. v The CHILD is the instrument of the FUTURE. Woodland Montessori School is seeking a Head of School. We require a strong leader with a demonstrated commitment to Montessori principles who will join us during summer 2010. Founded forty years ago as a Montessori school in Madison, Wisconsin, Woodland today includes six classrooms serving 108 children in its Toddler House and preschool. With extremely low turnover rates, its staff is comprised of thoughtful, dedicated, and experienced professionals. Woodland is a fullmember AMS school with all lead teachers and most assistants holding Montessori credentials. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree, a Montessori credential, and a miniAMI mum of five years experience teaching in a Montessori classroom. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Our ideal candidate will have SSISTANTS TO NFANCY GES excellent management and organizational EGINNING UNE abilities and a familiarity with financial matters. Recognized as “One of the Ten Most Livable DIRECTOR: JUDITH ORION Cities in the United States,” Madison’s cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities contribute to its continual ranking as one of the best places to live, work, and play in the United States. Only minutes from downtown 700 Knox Ct. Fax: 303-765-5279 and the University of Wisconsin campus, Denver, CO 80204 E-mail: [email protected] Woodland is centrally located in a quiet resiPhone: 303-832-6781 Website: www.tmidenver.com dential neighborhood surrounded by parks, with easy access to all parts of Madison. This position is a full-time and year-round position offering a competitive salary and benefits including health, dental, and life. To learn more about our Adolescent. We are a private, independent, non-profit, AMIschool, please visit www.woodland-montessori.org. Please recognized school with an AMI trained Head of School, who submit all inquiries by e-mail. To apply, please send a resume works closely with our long term, committed and motivated and cover letter to [email protected]. AMI trained faculty, staff and our Board of Directors to attain Teacher Training at The Montessori Institute A Lower Elementary Guide, Fall 2010 Madison Central Montessori School, established in 1972 and located in beautiful Madison, WI, is currently accepting resumes for an AMI Lower Elementary Guide for the 2010/11 school year (beginning in late August). MCMS serves 135 students in seven classrooms: 3 Children’s House, 2 Lower Elementary, 1 Upper Elementary and 1 B I J :A 0-3 , 2010 the highest ideals and principles of Montessori education. Madison, the state capitol and home to the University of Wisconsin, noted for its quality of life, many lakes, arboretum, parks, bike and cross country ski trails and new multimillion dollar cultural arts center, offers numerous cultural and recreational opportunities. Madison is consistently ranked as a top community in which to live, work, play and raise a family. Please direct resumes and questions to: 17 www.nienhuis.com Meghan Smyth Director of Education & Admissions 4337 West Beltline Hwy. Madison, WI 53711 Phone 608-274-9549 Fax 608-274-9570; Email admissions@ madisoncentralmontessori.org. Quality you can count on. Canada Kaban Montessori School is looking for a passionate Montessori Casa Directress for January 2010, to cover a Maternity leave, We are also looking for an enthusiastic and nurturing Assistant to Infancy for September 2010. Please send your resume to Blanca Sanchez at [email protected]. Private Montessori School in Ottawa is currently accepting applications for a full-time Montessori certified elementary teacher to begin in September 2010. Our school provides excellent working conditions, competitive salary and benefits, with ongoing curriculum support and professional development. Applicants are requested to email resumes to [email protected]. Pre-School teacher required from September 2010 mornings and afternoons, competitive salary, flexible hours, excellent working environment. Please send resume via email to surabhi@ shaw.ca. Surabhi Dave One World Montessori School 951 Ogilvie Blvd. Edmonton T6R 1K8 Canada In a tradition that spans over 80 years, we have always concentrated on one major aspect: the quality of our products. The combination of quality and educational value has lead to a product line that sets the global standard in every respect. And because of our constant product development, this product range is continuously extended with new, high valued products that appeal to children in a natural way and therefore contribute to a responsible development of the child as an individual. That essence is the heart of every Nienhuis product. For instance, our mathematical material. As a good example, they show our good sense of quality in everything we produce. Quality you can count on. Do you want to be home after work in the time it takes for you to put a trinomial cube together? Then send your résumé to the Montessori School of Regina. We’re looking for a Pre-primary Teacher (3-6) for a one-year mat leave, to start mid-Aug 2010 and end June 2011. Qualifications include the appropriate level of Montessori training (AMS/AMI) and Canadian work eligibility. We offer a competitive salary/benefits package. MSR is a growing school that’s been around since 1971. We have 4 pre-primary classrooms and an elementary program. Regina is a mid-sized city with great amenities, without the commute. Please send your qualifications to: Heather Dootoff Email: [email protected] Fax: 306-761-0790 Nienhuis Montessori. The global standard. Industriepark 14 | 7021 BL Zelhem [The Netherlands] | T 0031 314 62 71 10 | www.nienhuis.com China Daystar Academy, Beijing, China, seeks Lead 6-12 Teachers We are a bilingual school (English/Chinese) set on a beautiful newly renovated 6 acre campus within easy access to the heart of Beijing. We will be opening additional 6-9 and 9-12 classrooms in August. We are looking for native English speaking lead teachers with Montessori 6-9 or 9-12 certification and 2-3 years work experience. Our salaries and package are competitive. Please send CV and cover letter to info@ daystarchina.cn. 18 Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Montessori School and International Academy—located on the beautiful island of St. Thomas—is seeking experienced AMI Lower & Upper Elementary teachers for the fall of 2010. Due to enrollment retention at all levels being at an all time high, classroom expansion is anticipated for the coming year(s). VIMSIA, established in 1964, currently has programs from toddler through 12th grade. Our established classes are well supplied with Montessori materials and a competitive salary and benefits package are offered. For additional information, please visit our new and ever expanding Website at: www.vimsia.org. Interested candidates should send resume and references to: Shournagh McWeeney 6936 Vessup Lane St. Thomas, VI 00802 Telephone: 340-775-6360 Fax: 340-775-3080 E-mail: [email protected] School for Sale Montessori for sale. Sycamore, IL. 2nd yr & growing, 3-6 program. Low overhead, great potential. www.sycamoremontessori.com For more information call Teresa 815-739-4867. AMI Elementary Training Begins this Fall: Hershey Montessori Institute of Northeast Ohio where The Montessori Vision Comes to Life … As a student at Hershey Montessori Institute you will: • ExperienceanelementarycurriculumthatspansandlinksMontessoritheoryandpracticefor0-3, 3-6,6-12,12-15,and15-18programs,providinganintegratedvisionoftheMontessoricontinuum. • VisitnationallyandinternationallyrecognizedMontessorielementaryandadolescentprograms. • SeeMontessoriinactionforchildrenagedfrom18monthsthrough18years! • DiscovernewapproachesfortheMontessoriupperelementaryyears. • Receivecutting-edgecoursematerialdealingwiththeadolescentyears. • PrepareforacareerinMontessorieducationasyouearnyourAMIElementaryTeachingDiploma. • PrepareforaleadershiproleintheMontessoricommunity. FoundationCourse ElementaryTraining Course Calendar (forstudentswhodonotholdanAMI3-6diploma) August16,2010-August27,2010 August30,2010-June3,2011 (TheDirectorofTrainingreservestherighttomodifythecoursecalendarascircumstancesmayrequire.) Forapplicationsandfurtherinformation,contacttheDirectorofTraining,GregMacDonald, [email protected],orJamieRue(CourseAssistant)at [email protected]. The total Montessori experience is waiting for you at Hershey Montessori Institute … 19