AMS 2010 HEADS OF SCHOOLS RETREAT
January 15 – 17, 2010

Over the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, almost four dozen Montessori heads of school and other school leaders gathered around white-clothed tables in a stately ballroom in the NH Real Arena Resort. We were there to explore “Scientist, Servant, Saint: Adopting the Roles of the Montessori Teacher to Strengthen Our Work as Montessori Leaders” with facilitator Dr. Catherine McTamaney. 

The Real is located in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, at the Bavaro beach and surrounded by miles of silky fine white sand, turquoise waters and lovely tropical weather (although we experienced mostly somber skies, to match our worries about the devastation in Haiti, not far away).

We came to this retreat to renew bonds with colleagues we had not seen for a while, to create new friendships, and most importantly to “recharge our batteries.” As lifelong learners, we know the importance of continually being challenged, inspired, internally changed by meaningful learning experiences.

Dr. McTamaney, a mother of two, is an award-winning Montessori teacher, teacher educator, former school director, and school consultant. Her writing appears in Montessori publications around the globe. Her book, The Tao of Montessori, has been described as a gift from one teacher to all teachers and parents of “the tiny miracles that unfold every day in our classrooms.”

Lao-tzu’s writings, collected as the Tao Te Ching, are steeped a thousand years of mystery. We only know with certainty that what emerged in sixth century BC contains 81 thoughts meant to gently remind rather than direct one toward natural harmony in the worlds that exist around and within us. The Tao of Montessori takes these 81 exquisite mental images and blends tranquil images of wholeness and love with our day-to-day interactions with children and families.

We especially appreciated Dr. McTamaney’s topic, “Scientist, Servant, Saint.” She wove quotes from Maria Montessori with quotes from philosophers, researchers, and theorists from all over the world and over many centuries to help us think. She pulled us into evaluating our own leadership styles and into planning how each of us might be more effective in our own very different roles and responsibilities. She touched the minds and hearts of all in our group. Catherine won a standing ovation and will not soon be forgotten by anyone.

Thank you to Dr. Darla Miller for penning the above.

The retreat took place just days after the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, which is located on the west side of the island of Hispaniola; Punta Cana, the site of the retreat, is on the east coast. While at the retreat, several participants wrote a letter in which they shared their thoughts about the pain that was so close by. Later, other participants added comments. To read what they wrote, click here.