Like students, teachers are always learning and growing. On Saturday, October 14^th, dozens of TPS educators participated in the American Montessori Society (AMS) regional symposium hosted at Geiger Montessori. The event brought educators from across the region, including attendees from Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Canada, in addition to educators from all over Washington. This is the second year TPS has partnered with AMS to host this event.

“We had amazing feedback from last year’s event,” said Bryant Principal Neil O’Brien. “Our teachers are committed to learning and improving their teaching practice. So, to have the chance to focus on their own learning and to meet educators from across the region is pretty exciting. Hosting the event at a TPS school puts Tacoma at the center of the region’s Montessori schools and puts Tacoma Public Schools on the map of the American Montessori Society.”

Two TPS schools are Montessori Schools, Bryant (PreK-8) and Geiger (PreK-5). Montessori education is based on self-direction, hands-on learning, and collaboration. Students have autonomy within limits - to move, choose works from a workplan, and establish a place to work. They are guided to make good choices that will support optimal learning, so they can grow into independent, self-directed learners. In addition to state teacher certification requirements, teachers must be certified in Montessori philosophy and methodology, a rigorous, lengthy training program. The educational approach was started in the early 20th century by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori.