October 2021
Dear TMS Families and Friends,
Five years ago, I let the board know that the contract they offered me would be my last and now it is time that I share with all of you my intention to retire at the end of this school year. This decision is dictated by age rather than desire, as TMS has been an important part of my life for many years. In 2002, I answered an ad in the Ambler Gazette for a part time reading specialist. At the time, I was teaching reading specialists at Gwynedd Mercy College and doing private tutoring. I thought this would be a perfect way to round out my practice. The ad had been placed by New Horizons Montessori School in Fort Washington. I knew little about Montessori even though I had briefly attended a Montessori preschool when I was 4 years old. Little did I know at the time that answering that ad would open to me a new and inspiring vision of what education could be.
The Montessori School transformed the way I thought about teaching and learning. As a reading specialist, I had worked with children who struggled in school and who were giving up on learning. When I began working at TMS, I found a method that respected those children and recognized that, who they were as people, was not defined by their struggles but rather by their strengths. I found a way of educating children that allowed every child to experience success - those who have challenges and those who need greater enrichment. I worked with dedicated, highly-trained teachers who believe, as I do, that each child can reach their full potential if given the tools to achieve. My vision of an education for all learners had found a home.
Fast forward to Fall 2008, I began my first school year as Head of New Horizons Montessori School in its new location of Dresher. In my 14 years as Head of School, we have experienced the vagaries of the economy, a new school name, the renovation of our building, the succession of veteran teachers, and a pandemic never experienced in our lifetimes. I know that none of what we have accomplished would have been possible had I not had the support of a talented staff, dedicated trustees and families who believed in this extraordinary education. We are beginning a new era at The Montessori School. Most of the staff who greeted me in in my first year as head are no longer here, but they have been succeeded by an incredible group of enthusiastic, determined, highly-trained teachers, who were hand-picked and trained by their predecessors to carry on the TMS legacy of authentic Montessori education with the same fidelity as the past 50 years.
It’s hard for me to imagine a life that doesn’t include getting up each morning, coming to TMS and seeing children, but no doubt my five grandchildren will help fill that void! TMS will remain in my heart as a treasured part of my life. It quenched my personal thirst for learning and fed my passion for the education of young children. I will miss TMS and all who make up this wonderful community.
With fond regards,
