montessori education in the grand rapids public schools: a community meeting with superintendent...

GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Montessori Programming

Montessori Education in the Grand Rapids Public Schools: A Community Meeting with Superintendent Neal

February 29, 2012 Grand Rapids, MI

Introductions   Teresa Weatherall Neal

  Superintendent of GRPS   Started at the age of 15 as a student worker   B. A. in Public Administration from GVSU   M. Ed. Educational Leadership from WMU

  Natasha Neal   Program Development Specialist for GRPS   Attended GRPS from preschool to 6th grade

  Graduated from Wyoming Park High School   B. A. in Law & Society (Pre-‐law), Cognate in Econ.   J. D. from New York Law School

Montessori Education in the Grand Rapids Public Schools: A Community Meeting with Superintendent Neal | February 29, 2012

History of Montessori in Grand Rapids

  In 1972, GRPS introduced the Montessori program   Over the last 40 years, the Montessori program has

gone through several changes   Location, level of support and enrollment

  Despite those changes, the fundamental principles of Montessori method have not changed   The environment is created to meet the developmental

needs of the age of the students   The teachers are trained in the Montessori educational

method and philosophy   Materials and activities are designed to help students work

independently from adults, with each other, and in connection to the larger community and world


Vision for GRPS Montessori Program

  GRPS is committed to the Montessori Method

  We intend to build a world-‐class Montessori program that will hold true to the fundamental principles in preparing “students for college and adult life through responsive, diverse, and challenging learning environments”

  We also intend to create a safe space for kids to explore learning and spark a thirst for knowledge


Natasha’s Experience

  Thinking “differently” is okay

  Creativity is encouraged   Being with the same

teacher helped create that “safe space” for learning   Teachers get a chance to

become familiar with the students and parents

  There is a level of trust between the student, teacher and parents that results in increased reception of education and involvement


Natasha’s Kindergarten Report Card


Outcomes Based on the Vision   Build a sustainable Montessori program that will attract students from GRPS and other districts as well

  Produce educated contributors to society who can compete in the global market

  Create life-‐long learners who understand that they are in control of their education


What GRPS Will Do   Continue to work with the “Montessori Community”   We will allot $50,000 per year to train teachers to be

certified in the Montessori method and to ensure that Montessori teachers are at the top of their game   This amount will be allotted for 2012 – 2016, totaling

$250,000

  We will work with GREA and its leadership to try to ensure that Montessori-‐certified teachers are able to stay in the Montessori program and do what they love

  We will also work to ensure that you have a leader who understands and believes in the Montessori method


What GRPS Would Like You to Do   We would like the Montessori Community to find

ways to embrace those who do not have a Montessori background   Without more students, the program will flounder

Thank you to the Montessori Community for your time and your investment in our district and our students.

Thank you to those, like Kathy Freewind, who are

committed to the Montessori program.

Questions, comments or concerns?


Need more details?

If you have any questions about GRPS Montessori or other district offerings, please contact:

John Helmholdt Director of Communications & External affairs Email: [email protected] Phone: 616-‐819-‐3740
