Reaching Children Who are Not Yet Working

1.5 CPDs, Run Time: 39:22

Have you ever wondered if you can reach all students? Before we ask, "Why isn’t the child working?" we must ask "What can we do so every child will be successful?" Using culturally relevant practices, we will address the work of the adult in planning, observing, and collaborating with children to determine their work. This workshop provides perspective on the prepared environment and the prepared adult and examines our role in creating systems that ensure equity and inclusion for every child.

Dakota Prosch started teaching in 2000 in the Chicago Public Schools. She has a MEd and is an AMI Elementary trained teacher who works at a dual language public Montessori school in Denver. She is a trained SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) leader, completed the Montessori coach's training with NCMPS in 2020, and coaches teachers in Colorado.

Brooke Fly Spears is a Montessori elementary teacher with 15 years of classroom experience. She founded the Elementary program at Magnolia Montessori School and worked for eight years as lead guide in a 6-12 classroom. In 2021, she began working as an Elementary II trainer with Arete Memphis Public Montessori Residency and a consulting teacher with Libertas School of Memphis. Brooke currently works with MMS as whole school mentor, supporting staff with observation and professional development. She holds a Mississippi teaching license, an AMI Elementary certification, a master’s of education from Loyola University-Maryland, and a BA in English from the University of Mississippi.

Deb Matyjevich is a Montessori coach and consultant in Denver, CO. She brings over 25 years of experience in Montessori education with a background in psychology and sociology from Emory University. She is AMS certified at the Primary level and is currently training new generations of Montessori educators at her local TEP. Deb is also a field consultant, MACTE verifier, and instructor.