This article presents an interview with Montessorians, namely Vicki Dimmer, Dottie Feldman, and Patti Tepper-Rasmussen. In an interview, these Montessorians discuss how they become involved with Montessori education and describe their involvement in Montessori over the years. They also discuss the impact of their Montessori training on their…

This article presents an interview with Montessorians, namely Chandra Fernando, Ellen Selvidge, Sonnie McFarland, and Donna Kaiser. In an interview, these Montessorians discuss how they become involved with Montessori education and describe their involvement in Montessori over the years. They also discuss the impact of their Montessori training on…

In this article, the author explains how administrators who have feelings about isolation and disconnection from other Montessori schools may find support and networking through a variety of ways. Administrators may connect with others through the AMS (American Montessori Society) Heads of Schools ListServer, a forum for discussion of topics…

In their unique approach to education, Montessorians are challenged to create an academic forum that engages the mind and the hand, and most importantly, the heart. It is in essence the heart of the adolescent that gives birth to the adult, and the mind and the hand follow along. However, there can be barriers to accessing the engagement of the…

Recent literature debates the effectiveness of the senior year, stating that it is an unproductive and unrealistic time for many students--either because they are, by that point in their school careers, disengaged and waiting to graduate, or because they are so stressed from taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams and writing college essays that they…

The Alpha point of the authors' life as a Montessori educator began in 1959, when he was a graduate student studying philosophy at Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. While studying the works of the great American philosopher William James, the author came across the writings of Maria Montessori and immediately became captivated by her…

The act of collaboration is important when improving communication between administration and teachers, guiding school personnel to collectively clarify teaching and learning outcomes, and facilitating school stakeholders to engage in strategic institutional planning. As necessary as collaboration is, adults often do not know how to collaborate…

Though Montessori schools have a unique mission, philosophy, and pedagogy, all independent schools have similar demands, functions, and requirements governing board care and education, state and federal mandates and compliances, child care, parent care and education, fundraising, financial standards, employment standards, and care of employees.…

This article discusses the importance of thinking about and identifying what one wants in a school--and deciding whether or not these are realistic expectations. One might want to consider the core values that attracts one to Montessori, and observe, when visiting a school, to see how these are expressed in the school day. The author points out…

Describes spirituality as occurring when one invests energy in goals beyond the self. Summarizes research on cooperation and challenge and self satisfaction during high school and college. Identifies components of Montessori education contributing to spiritual development, and asserts that educators need to help children develop goals beyond…

Asserts that charter schools provide unique and rich opportunities for Montessori educators to influence public education. Notes obstacles to establishing Montessori charter schools related to loss of funding for the local school district, the difficulty of Montessori teachers obtaining state certification, testing requirements to show student…

Examines eschatology as the heart of Christian faith, suggesting that an appreciation of an eschatological interpretation of the cosmos enables acceptance of nature's transience and a grounding for an ecological ethic. Maintains that recent scientific developments present a promising, rather than pessimistic, picture of the universe. Holds that…

This article is an excerpt from a keynote speech delivered by Senator Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut at the 2007 Annual Conference of the American Montessori Society held last March 3, 2007 in New York City. In his speech, Dodd talked about how Dr. Maria Montessori literally took the teacher's desk out of the classroom when she developed the…

Differentiates chronological time and the Greek concept of "Kairos" (a quality of time without measure) as they relate to Montessori philosophy. Argues that the child's need for "Kairos" time conflicts with the adult "Chronos" world of schedules, and that the Montessori classroom environment is successful due to its…

Presents fundamentals of systems thinking and sustainability within an ecological theory to shape education to the needs of human development in relation to the environment. Emphasizes that effective learning is a system embedded in the web of life, giving humans the ability to see the interconnectedness of the environment, community, and the…