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The evening of February 29 was a great one for more than 50 Montessori focused attendees at the Montessori Community Meeting with Grand Rapids Public School's Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal. Neal shared her vision for the GRPS with our community, her goals and support for the Montessori program within GRPS, and some ideas of how to incorporate Montessori concepts in a wider range of schools in the district.
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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
Montessori Education in the Grand Rapids Public Schools: A Community Meeting with Superintendent Neal | February 29, 2012
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
Montessori Education in the Grand Rapids Public Schools: A Community Meeting with Superintendent Neal | February 29, 2012
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
Montessori Education in the Grand Rapids Public Schools: A Community Meeting with Superintendent Neal | February 29, 2012
Natasha’s Kindergarten Report Card
Montessori Education in the Grand Rapids Public Schools: A Community Meeting with Superintendent Neal | February 29, 2012
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
Montessori Education in the Grand Rapids Public Schools: A Community Meeting with Superintendent Neal | February 29, 2012
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
Montessori Education in the Grand Rapids Public Schools: A Community Meeting with Superintendent Neal | February 29, 2012
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?
Montessori Education in the Grand Rapids Public Schools: A Community Meeting with Superintendent Neal | February 29, 2012
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
Montessori Education in the Grand Rapids Public Schools: A Community Meeting with Superintendent Neal | February 29, 2012