Neuroscience educator
“Facing increased stressors and over-stimulation, most children become wedded to instant gratification, striving to match the rapid response rate of technology. Their impulse control remains too weak to develop long attention spans, and their future success is in jeopardy.
“The Montessori classroom invites children to become absorbed in their work, building the endurance and attention span so important for a successful life. They learn to delay gratification by waiting for turns, to awaken their inner speech through careful modeling by their teachers as each new activity is introduced, and to make real choices as they select each new piece of work.
“These skills will later manifest as the ability to take their own counsel, to notice patterns others fail to see, and to initiate the changes their world will so desperately need.”
Dee Joy Coulter is nationally recognized for her ability to present complex ideas in clear and humorous ways. She has taught and directed programs in special education and for 20 years served on the faculty of Naropa University in Boulder, CO, where she applied brain research to education issues.
She offers workshops and keynote presentations across the country. CD sets from many of these talks and various written materials are available through Kindling Touch Publications.
Photo: Courtesy Dee Joy Coulter
“The Montessori classroom invites children to become absorbed in their work, building the endurance and attention span so important for a successful life. They learn to delay gratification by waiting for turns, to awaken their inner speech through careful modeling by their teachers as each new activity is introduced, and to make real choices as they select each new piece of work.
“These skills will later manifest as the ability to take their own counsel, to notice patterns others fail to see, and to initiate the changes their world will so desperately need.”
Dee Joy Coulter is nationally recognized for her ability to present complex ideas in clear and humorous ways. She has taught and directed programs in special education and for 20 years served on the faculty of Naropa University in Boulder, CO, where she applied brain research to education issues.
She offers workshops and keynote presentations across the country. CD sets from many of these talks and various written materials are available through Kindling Touch Publications.
Photo: Courtesy Dee Joy Coulter
Earl and Maggie DePass
Parents of 4 Montessori students
“Montessori truly respects the individuality of the child. It develops the child not by constant drill, but by building upon fundamental concepts acquired by physically interacting with the environment.“Children’s progress is not measured by test scores, but by how well they can teach what they have learned to others. Our daughters enjoy teaching and seeing others learn. This definitely comes from their Montessori nurturing.”
The DePasses initially noticed “something special” about friends’ Montessori-educated children who “displayed a level of self-confidence, leadership, and cooperation” that was quite remarkable. “Whenever we would visit their school, we could feel the strong sense of community and respect among families, teachers, and staff. Knowing those great kids and school community were being fostered by Montessori made us decide to pursue a Montessori education for our children.”
Maggie and Earl believe all children would benefit from Montessori schooling, especially children from low-income families. Maria Montessori first developed the “prepared environment” for children living in poverty, and their learning rivaled that of privileged children in traditional schools. The DePasses hope Montessorians will work together to make Montessori education available to children in our own underserved communities today.
Photo: Courtesy Earl and Maggie DePass
Founder & president, Children’s Defense Fund
“I chose Montessori education for my sons because I believed it was the best way to encourage their unique and natural development. I sought and found a nurturing, stimulating environment for them with a diverse group of children and education leaders. Their Montessori classroom also brought a sense of order and calm to their everyday world that is very important for young children.
“The early years are so important to children's growth. I knew the Montessori method would foster their creativity and, guided by gifted teachers, allow them to learn at their own pace and deeply explore their interests. I loved seeing how engaged they were with the work in their classrooms, and I love re-reading today the thoughtful teacher reports about their development.”
Marian Wright Edelman has been an advocate for disadvantaged Americans for her entire professional life. A graduate of Yale Law School and the first black woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar, she served as the director of the Center for Law and Education at Harvard University before beginning the Children’s Defense Fund in 1973. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, in 2000.
Photo: Courtesy Children's Defense Fund “The early years are so important to children's growth. I knew the Montessori method would foster their creativity and, guided by gifted teachers, allow them to learn at their own pace and deeply explore their interests. I loved seeing how engaged they were with the work in their classrooms, and I love re-reading today the thoughtful teacher reports about their development.”
Marian Wright Edelman has been an advocate for disadvantaged Americans for her entire professional life. A graduate of Yale Law School and the first black woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar, she served as the director of the Center for Law and Education at Harvard University before beginning the Children’s Defense Fund in 1973. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, in 2000.
