(Newswire.net — February 12, 2014) Bozeman, MT — In the world of education, considerable value is placed on credentials and associations. It’s not enough to simply say “I’m a teacher.” People want to know what certifications, credentials, awards and affiliations a teacher has before trusting them in their schools. This has been shown to be an important subject for parents selecting a school for their children and likewise an important consideration for schools in the selection of their teachers.
With failing education and low literacy rates in the United States, some groups are setting higher standards and working to improve the training and certification process for teachers. We have followed the progress of organizations like Age of Montessori – a provider of Montessori teacher certification – with interest to see what solutions online providers of certification courses may have to our nation’s education dilemma.
We reported previously on Mary Ellen Maunz receiving the Wisdom of the Elders award (January 6th Newswire.net article) at the annual MACTE/IAME symposium. During the meeting, two respected teaching organizations announced their intent to affiliate their groups to further the growth of the Montessori community of educators.
PAMS (Pan American Montessori Society) and Age of Montessori publicized their affiliation earlier this month.
A Brief History of PAMS:
Dr. Maria Montessori began training Elisabeth Caspari in 1942. During World War II Montessori and Caspari spent 4 years together teaching in Kodikanal where they developed a strong friendship.
In 1973 Caspari worked with Dr. Feland Meadows to found the Pan American Montessori Society in Mexico City.
In 1980 Mary Ellen Maunz became Caspari’s student and they began training teachers together. In 1983 Mary Ellen was awarded the Pan American Master Teacher credential from both Dr. Meadows and Dr. Caspari. Thus began an association that lasted until Dr. Caspari passed away in 2002 at the age of 102.
Montessori Today:
The association between Maunz and Dr. Meadows continued through the years and the friendship was formalized with Age of Montessori affiliating with Pan American Montessori Society. This affiliation means that AOM students will receive a diploma from both Age of Montessori and Pan American.
When asked about the association, Maunz said: “The bottom line is PAMS was founded by Caspari in association with DR Meadows. Our affiliation is another way of honoring her legacy.”
Mary Ellen Maunz and Dr. Feland Meadows were seen together at the annual MACTE Symposium in Alexandria, Virginia on December 2013 where PAMS celebrated its 40th anniversary. Mary Ellen offered an overview for attendees of the history of the associations of Montessori with Elisabeth Caspari and her history with Meadows and Maunz that have led to the growth and vibrancy of the Pan American Montessori Society.
We asked Age of Montessori’s director Tani Kingston about the move and how it affects their teacher certification course. “The Benefit to students is we are affiliating with the 3rd largest Montessori organization in the world,” she said. “PAMS is well known and respected throughout the world and students will now receive a diploma backed by both our organizations.”
Dr. Meadows and Maunz have prepared teachers in 15 countries. Dr. Meadows was recipient of the MACTE and IAME (International Association of Montessori Educators) 2012 Wisdom of the Elders award and Mary Ellen Maunz was presented the award for 2013.
Students watching Mary Ellen and Dr. Meadows working together were in awe and said it was like watching the “rock stars of Montessori” work together.
Author: Brian Stevens Google+