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Time for a Re-Set! Part 1

Time for a Re-Set! Part 1

by | Administrative Team, Children with Exceptionalities, Communication, Faculty, Montessori Administrators, Research, School Leadership, School Resources, The International Montessori Council, Video, Webcasts / IMC

In this 2- part conversation, we will discuss the “burn-out” our teachers, and we as leaders, are experiencing as this school year comes to an end. Using a recent post from Edutopia “How Burned Out Are You? A Scale for Teachers, we can frame our conversation toward micro and macro ways to re-set from where we are to where we want to be. On the 8th, let’s add to the conversation with practices of “in- the- moment” techniques for self-calming that we can use to make choices with intention rather than just reaction. We’ll continue our conversation on the 15th with the macro choices we can make to “re-set” as we look toward renewal in our role as Montessorians.

CAN THE WORK OF THE ASSISTANT TEACHER BE FRAMED AS A GROWTH MINDSET? Deconstructing a Classroom Hierarchy

CAN THE WORK OF THE ASSISTANT TEACHER BE FRAMED AS A GROWTH MINDSET? Deconstructing a Classroom Hierarchy

by | Administrative Team, Communication, Faculty, Montessori Administrators, Research, School Leadership, School Resources, The International Montessori Council, Video, Webcasts / IMC

In too many Montessori programs the Assistant Teacher continues to be viewed and treated like some kind of blue collar worker, assigned the fixed roles of “restorer of the environment” and “behavior management SWAT team.” The Montessori cultural curriculum teaches children that all life forms are to be respected and protected, that every living organism plays a vital role in the great wheel of life. Yet children in most Montessori classrooms continue to witness a distinct hierarchy and power differential between the Lead Guide and the Assistant. In this workshop, we will discuss how Montessori educators can begin to deconstruct this hierarchy, by providing the Assistant Teacher with opportunities for learning, self-development, and expanded instructional contributions, just like the young people they serve.

Part 2: Montessori Inclusion- A Whole School Model for All

Solving Seemingly Impossible Talent Puzzles without Hiring

by | Administrative Team, Communication, Faculty, Montessori Administrators, Montessori Teachers, Recruitment & Admissions, School Leadership, School Resources, Start of School Year, The International Montessori Council, Video, Webcasts / IMC

Solving organizational role vacancies with staff already part of an organization can provide opportunities for those staff to grow and develop and for the organization to benefit from their organizational acumen. Unfortunately, too often our knee jerk reaction as organizational leaders is to start searching for outside hires that can fill these open positions. This Montessori Leadership Forum conversation will be led by Eric Harper and Dana Kaminstein. The conversation will focus on the way in which organizations miss opportunities by not promoting from within, how to develop and prepare people in the organization for potential new roles, and how solving talent puzzles internally can provide a growth opportunity for both the individual and for the organization.

Part 2: Montessori Inclusion- A Whole School Model for All

Staff Planning for Next Year – Comings, Goings, and Growth.

by | Administrative Team, Communication, Covid, Faculty, Montessori Administrators, Recruitment & Admissions, School Identity, School Leadership, School Resources, Start of School Year, The International Montessori Council, Video, Webcasts / IMC

This is the time of year when school leaders ask themselves the following questions. Who is staying and who is leaving, who needs to move on, and who needs to grow in their teaching practice or professionalism? Our discussion will focus on how we make staffing decisions empathically and objectively.