News from you

There is so much outstanding work taking place across the country. Many of you have made plans to meet with representatives from your state's Office of  Early Childhood Education ( or Departement of Education, Departments of Human Services, or Children and Families, or the licensing folks) to begin conversations about the value of Montessori education. As those responsible for the implementation of education policy (both early childhood and K-12) are struggling to meet time lines and schedules, we are finding that they are grateful to hear from the Montessori community. This presents a wonderful opportunity for us to begin to share what is so special about what we do.

As you are preparing for these meetings, we urge you to re-read the blog on Diplomacy and Tact. Especially at your first meeting, the  conversation should be more about shared goals than concerns. Familiarize yourselves with the concerns for the Montessori community and if they naturally arise in the conversation, make an offer to provide information and assistance to the state people. Offering to work with them in partnership gives us the opportunity to support Montessori education while offering our voice to the ongoing conversation.

As you have these meetings, and follow ups, with your state agencies, please take a moment to share your experiences with the rest of us. We are always looking for blog posts (2-3 paragraphs is absolutely fine-( mail to montforward@gmail.com) and we encourage you to use the Montessori  Forward Google Group List serve ( easy to join from the link on MF). The more we can interact and support one another, the more we can be supported in our work at the state level.
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Look for some fantastic new changes to Montessori Forward. Coming soon!