Dr. Maria Montessori, the 20th-century physician/educator, spoke of "a new humanity brought about by a new education". If this new education is to be the solution to humanity's challenges, then teachers must be the formula. They must be the guides for the student, the resources for the curriculum, and the designers of the learning environment. What can we, as a society, do to reimagine our teachers as the guardians of humanity and ensure the success of their mission?
Elaine Blasi, Superintendent Hayward Twin Oaks Montessori School is our keynote speaker for Monday, April 4. Elaine Blasi brings more than 40 years of expertise to the field of education teaching and administrating in both independent and charter schools, serving students from early childhood through university. In addition, Elaine has worked as a consultant to non-profits who seek assistance in the areas of governance and leadership. Elaine has her B.S.F.S. from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and an M.Ed in International Education from the University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education. She is currently a doctoral student in Humanistic Psychology at Saybrook University, specializing in Creativity Studies. Elaine is AMS (American Montessori Society) credentialed in Early Childhood and Secondary I/II. She is a former commissioner for the AMS School Accreditation Commission and a past member of the AMS Board. She has served as an accreditation visiting team member for HAIS (Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools), WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), AMS (American Montessori Society), and MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Commission for Teacher Education).