Friday, 7 – 8:15 AM Teacher Educators Networking Session Peter J. Larrow, Facilitator
This session will provide an opportunity for Montessori teacher educators
(faculty members of teacher education programs) to get together with colleagues
old and new. In particular, the discussion will focus on ways of improving
teacher education programs and the delivery of course components to colleges.
Please bring your ideas, information, and questions to share. (TE)
Friday, 12:45 – 1:45 PM Regional Groups Networking Session: Looking at the Bay Area Montessori Association Eulalia Halloran Carla Hofland, Facilitator
The Bay Area Montessori Association (BAMA) is a group of educators dedicated
to building ties among Montessorians and promoting a positive perception
of Montessori education to the entire community, throughout the greater San
Francisco Bay Area. Anyone involved or interested in forming a regional network
of Montessori advocates should come to explore BAMA’s organizational structure,
its history of outreach, and the volunteer support systems necessary to plan
social events and operate an active, effective local association. Please
bring a bag lunch to enjoy during this casual session. (ALL)
Saturday, 7 – 8:15 AM Heads of Schools Networking Session Marge Ellison, Facilitator
Administrators won’t want to miss this opportunity to seek camaraderie
and support through the shared stories, practical information, and insights
of their colleagues, who likely face professional situations similar to their
own. Guest Maren Stark Schmidt will share reflections on how, as teachers
and administrators, our challenge is to enlist parents and others in joining
in the adventure of cosmic education, and to help them to see that in “building
cathedrals, not walls . .. we are building humankind.” A Montessori-credentialed
educator with more then 25 years of experience working with young children,
Maren is author of the e-newsletter Kids
Talk and the book Understanding
Montessori: A Guide for Parents. She is also creative director for a
video-based reading series for early childhood. (ADM)
Teachers will not want to miss this opportunity for conversation
and collaboration with fellow Montessori colleagues as well as three
special guests: Dr. JoAnn Deak, AMS 2009 Fall Conference keynote
speaker; Dr. Jane Nelsen, AMS 2008 Fall Conference keynote speaker;
and Dr. Joyce Pickering, AMS 2009 Fall Conference “Montessori Sage.” After
a brief introduction to bring up specific topics to each of several
roundtables, teachers and special guests will have the opportunity
to share their classroom experiences, insights, and questions. Bring
a bag lunch to enjoy during what promises to be an unforgettable
networking experience. (I&T, EC, EL, SEC)
