The Montessori Florida Coalition
would like to thank all that attended the
2018 Montessori Teacher – Parent Education Days
at
Barry University
Miami Shores, Florida
Friday, January 19th & Saturday, January 20th, 2018
We look forward to seeing you in 2019!
MFC Friday Keynote: Dorothy Paul
January 19, 2018
“Living the Principles of Montessori”
“When I observe a student experience the quiet magic of a moment, whether they are 3 or 37, the realization of my work fills me with the spirit of Maria Montessori….and in this connection I can guarantee, that her dream does live on…” D Paul
Dorothy Paul has enjoyed over 30 years as a Montessori educator. She believes that Montessori’s dream lives on in all of us as we continue her work each day. As a feminist, an innovator and a visionary, Maria Montessori’s spirit challenges each of us through her living example of her unwillingness to take no for an answer, her show of strength in the face of adversity, and her constant perseverance through obstacles that would discourage the strongest among us.
Dr Montessori challenged us not only by words, but more importantly by example. Thankfully, she challenges us still today through her own pursuit of the truth. She recognized the spark in a child’s eye… a moment of self awareness…the delight of their discovery… and with every child’s triumph, she knew that her challenges were well worth the effort. Her work has laid the foundation for us all. Her principles regarding education were not only ahead of her own time, but they continue to steer the cutting edge philosophies of modern education methods.
“Within the child lies the fate of the future.” MM
The world needs Montessori education now, more than ever. I salute everyone who lives the philosophy each day, and through their daily practice creates an environment where her dreams continue to be realized, through what we call the Montessori method.
This presentation will include an overview of my own journey of living out Montessori’s dream, challenging myself to grow into a guide that is present for both young students and adult learners, and the transformational process of this journey. We will discuss not only what it means to build the foundation of being a Montessori educator, but how to nourish ourselves along the way in order to continue our own love of learning and living.
A segment of the presentation will include interactive experiences so please come in the spirit of sharing and participation. We benefit greatly when we create community among our peers, and as we celebrate our collective goals in the field of Montessori, we must also acknowledge that we have a wealth of academic knowledge between us. As professionals, we have so much to share with each other in the spirit of support. So let’s also discuss the ways that we as Florida’s leaders, may structure a support system for our developing teachers.
About Dorothy
Dorothy has taught in private and public Montessori schools, in Florida, since 1990. In 2010 she moved to Prague, CZ to develop and direct a Teacher Education Program and become a Methodologist for Early Childhood schools. She currently serves on the American Montessori Society Board of Directors, focusing on Global Task Force and Member Engagement initiatives.
She has earned a MS, Ed, in Elementary Ed and an Ed.S. in Early Childhood Ed from Barry University. Dorothy holds AMS diplomas in 3-6 and 6-12, and is currently in process of earning both the Secondary diploma and the Administrators credential.
Dorothy serves on AMS/MACTE verifying teams around the world, supporting quality standards in Montessori Education. She gives workshops on teacher development, subject areas, school design, and curriculum, both in the US and abroad.
MFC Saturday Keynote: Judy Dempsey
January 20, 2018
“Reflections and Projections”
Judy Dempsey, a passionate Montessorian for 41 years, joins us to share her reflections on her life’s journey on the Montessori path. She will share her thoughts on how this path is so much more than just the presentation of Montessori materials to our children. This is a journey that can be life-changing, not only for the children in our care, but for our co-workers, families, our communities and the world. Living this beautiful philosophy will lead all of us to the dream so close to Dr. Montessori’s heart – creating an amazing, more compassionate, understanding, and peaceful world.
The Montessori Movement encompasses a holistic view of the development of the person – we are not separate entities – we are all cosmically connected and need to grow in all areas: intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. You will walk away inspired to elevate yourself, your students, and everyone else in your life, by recommitting and honoring the foundational principles in the Montessori Movement: respect for self, others, and the environment; a love for learning and the immense human potential within each and everyone of us; and a genuine drive to make the world a better place. Ms. Dempsey will shine a light on how so many involved in the Montessori movement have already impacted the world in unimaginable ways and will continue to do so.
Judy Dempsey will ask us to embrace the philosophy in ways that will bring our Montessori Method into other possible realms in the future: work with the elderly, with special needs students, and a possible spiritual Montessori movement. Join us in hearing how we can continue our love of Montessori in many other aspects of life.
About Judy Dempsey
Judy Dempsey has been a Montessori educator for 41 years. She has owned and operated Summit-Questa Montessori School in Davie, Florida for the past 26 years. The school serves children from the ages of 18 months through 8th grade. The beautiful 10-acre campus has native habitats, numerous gardens, a wetland preserve, a mini-barnyard, outdoor fields, a gymnasium and two pools. The school is also the site of Summit Montessori Teacher Training Institute, an accredited teacher training center affiliated with the American Montessori Society. Judy is co-director of this training center and has been instrumental in training hundreds of Montessori teachers in the state of Florida since 2003.
As an innovative educator, Judy has served on numerous educational boards in Florida. She held the position of 1st Vice President and Director of Accreditation for five years on the board of the Association of Independent Schools of Florida, a Florida state organization that accredits private schools and recognizes prominent educators. Judy was awarded the 2016-2017 Richard and Dorothy Lear Distinguished Educator of the Year- the highest honor given by the Association of Independent Schools of Florida. This award, named for the founders of the Lear School in Miami, recognizes the distinguished career of Judy Dempsey and her continuous efforts to provide a quality education to the children of South Florida.
Judy is the author of Turning Education Inside Out: Confessions of a Montessori Principal, which is now available world-wide through traditional book retailers. It was an educational bestseller on Amazon. In her informative and engaging bestseller, she details her over 40 years of experience with the Montessori philosophy as a Montessori educator, administrator, school owner, and teacher trainer. She shows the impact that the Montessori experience has on the developing child, clears up misconceptions about exactly what Montessori is, and helps prospective parents determine if Montessori is right for their child.
