The Ohio Montessori Alliance

The Ohio Montessori Alliance is a collaborative community promoting education that nurtures the development of the whole child, from infancy to adulthood, as envisioned by Dr. Maria Montessori, and substantiated by current research.  We strive to coordinate efforts and enhance connections between and among parents and families, alumni, educators, professionals, schools, universities, organizations, media and government, to collectively safeguard and nurture the developmental needs of our children.

Up until now, the Ohio Montessori Alliance has just been an idea; an acknowledgement that we are all in this together and that unity is a powerful resource!  However, on August 4, 2012 in Columbus, OH, the idea was transformed into a reality, as a dynamic group of committed individuals met for the first time to develop a cohesive vision of who we are, what we want, and how we will get there. 

Participants represented the diversity of Montessori education in Ohio -- working throughout the developmental continuum (from birth through high school), in various roles (teachers, parents, alumni, admin, teacher trainers, etc), from geographical locations throughout the state, and a diversity of settings (public, private, homeschool, etc). 

Open Space Technology was used to structure the meeting, creating a time and space to begin the process of self-organizing based on genuine passions, with a commitment to taking real responsibility to ensure that ideas translate into actions.  The opportunity to differentiate based on interests, and then develop information, ideas and strategies in these areas, was balanced with integrating the information back into the larger community.  Participants, and all OMA members, will have access to written summaries of every discussion, so they can learn more and, if inclined, join groups of individuals who are committed to working on specific issues impacting Montessori education. 

Recognizing that we are an active part of a greater whole, the Ohio Montessori Alliance seeks to connect with other individuals and organizations throughout the nation, who advocate for the developmental rights and potential of every child, particularly those who value the vital contribution Montessori education makes in the lives of our children. OMA EMBRACES FAMILIES as our partners in all efforts to be made on behalf of our children.  United by a common interest, communication enables us to share information and coordinate endeavors, so that nationally, our voices are stronger and our efforts increasingly efficient.

Email OhioMontessoriAlliance@gmail.com to get connected!  We look forward to getting to know you and working together to engage more of our children in meaningful learning throughout the developmental continuum!