HEAD OF SCHOOL SEARCH JULY 2022 - Educators ...
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HEAD OF SCHOOL SEARCH JULY 2022
920 Youngsford Road
Gladwyne, Pennsylvania 19035
T. 610.649.1761
About Gladwyne Montessori
Gladwyne Montessori is an independent Montessori school, nestled
along Philadelphia’s Main Line. Since 1962, students have excelled
in area high schools and have gone on to succeed at top colleges and
universities across the country. A Gladwyne Montessori education
combines the time-tested and visionary insights of Dr. Maria
Montessori with the ever-evolving world of advanced technology and
modern research. The result is a confident, curious and academically
superior student prepared to compete in the 21st century economy.
The education process is based on the understanding that learning is
“The environment must be predicated upon the basic human urge to explore. Many of the skills
rich in motives which lend identified as being essential for success today such as initiative, self-
interest to activity and invite direction, creativity, innovation, and social responsibility have always
the child to conduct his own been prominent focuses of the Montessori philosophy and are what
experiences.” we strive to help develop in all Gladwyne Montessori students.
MARIA MONTESSORI
Mission and Values
Through an authentic delivery of Maria Montessori’s researched-
based curriculum, Gladwyne Montessori provides an individualized
learning experience that cultivates depth of knowledge and the values
required to be actively engaged global citizens.
The school’s purpose and vision is to be the best foundation for a
lifetime of learning.
Essential values—individuality, curiosity, responsibility, flexibility,
connection, acceptance, and joy—are embedded deeply throughout
the curriculum. We strive to instill these values within each member of
the learning community.
“Education is a natural
process carried out by the Leadership
human individual, and is Gladwyne Montessori is led by a group of passionate and highly
acquired not by listening to experienced individuals. The school’s Board of Trustees, in partnership
words, but by experiences in with the senior administration staff, works closely to maintain and
the environment.” enhance the exceptional educational experience being offered to the
MARIA MONTESSORI children at Gladwyne Montessori.
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Our History
For nearly 60 years, Gladwyne Montessori has provided
families a nurturing environment for children to start
their journey as lifelong learners and become positive
contributors to the world around them. At Gladwyne
Montessori, we educate leaders through a proven
method of 21st century learning.
Gladwyne Montessori celebrated its 50th Anniversary during the 2012-2013 school year and held
events that welcomed back past teachers and families as well as current families and staff. The occasion
also included the production of a documentary film, Montessori Rising, chronicling the school’s history
and increasing relevance of Montessori education in the 21st century economy.
In the fall of 2019 Gladwyne Montessori launched New Spaces: The Campaign for Gladwyne Montessori,
a fundraising initiative that will enable the school to realize the full potential of its campus by creating
carefully curated new spaces that reflect the Montessori philosophy and that position Gladwyne
Montessori as a thought leader and resource for parents, educators and researchers alike.
With the generosity of early Campaign benefactors, Gladwyne Montessori’s Board of Trustees
completed the first of three phases in this project in Spring 2020, establishing a playing field, nature
trail, greenhouse, orchard and blueberry patch.
Program
Gladwyne Montessori is a joyous, independent, co-educational, day school that seeks to galvanize
students’ minds and hearts, curiosity, imagination, and love of learning through Montessori education.
Based on Maria Montessori’s educational philosophy, we are dedicated to focusing on children’s
developmental stages as informed by current research in brain function, education, technology and
psychology. Gladwyne Montessori serves children from 6 weeks to 12-years old living in Gladwyne,
Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Narberth, Philadelphia, Wayne and beyond.
The Montessori programs are grounded in an authentic, respect-based partnership. Students thrive
in classrooms where teachers respect their uniqueness, individual needs, strengths and interests.
Their motivation is enhanced through the pursuit of individual interests, and their self-confidence is
strengthened through the introduction of new materials based on individual readiness, learning style
and ability. In all Montessori programs, the teacher’s role is one of trained observer, mentor, guide,
developmental expert, and catalyst of student-potential. The child’s role is one of elated explorer,
independent thinker, compassionate collaborator, and thoughtful researcher.
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Infant & Young Toddler: 6 weeks to children younger
than age 2
A peaceful team of well-trained educators strives to connect,
predict and serve each child’s needs and temperament by
following the child’s natural rhythms, matching both parental
expectations and the child’s constantly changing needs.
Toddler: 2 years old
The Montessori Toddler program for 2-year-olds is able to
offer a child more than any typical daycare could, allowing little
ones to explore and experiment within thoughtfully prepared
classroom environments. Gladwyne Montessori Toddlers are
brimming with energy, giggles and curiosity.
Throughout the year, children develop confidence, a love of
learning and the skills required to communicate both with peers
and adults in a nurturing and academic setting.
Primary: 3 to 6 years old
Primary builds not only the foundation for future academic
success, but also the necessary skills to meet and exceed 21st
century skills: growing autonomy, independence, cooperation,
collaboration and flexibility.
Elementary
The Elementary classroom community provides a new and
stimulating environment in which to explore and be inspired.
The three-year development process that took place in Primary
will begin again, but with an increased focus on academic skills
and a new sense of confidence and curiosity.
Children who join for the first time will swiftly adapt to this
methodology because highly trained teachers provide a
seamless adjustment and an environment for all children to feel
safe and welcome in the learning community.
Enrichment
All programs are designed to provide a well-rounded
educational experience and encourage Gladwyne Montessori
students to delve more deeply into varied cultures while
fostering a greater appreciation for the world around them.
These programs are a critical component of the child-centered
approach. The experiential and hands-on special subjects help to
expand students’ capabilities beyond academics.
Montessori curricula are meant to incorporate a broad
spectrum of subject areas. For this reason, a child will be
experiencing an array of special programming within his or her
own classroom environment. Morning meeting may consist
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of a group music lesson, the afternoon may involve some sort of
artistic expression.
Specials include: Art, Foreign Language, Library, Maker Space/
Computer Technology, Music, Physical Education and STEM.
Primary and Elementary students are invited to participate in
extracurricular activities in three sessions (Fall, Winter and Spring)
including classes like robotics, chess, cooking,or group sports.
Classes vary each season and are often dependent upon interest.
Extracurricular Activities include: Athletics and Robotics.
Parent-Toddler
The Parent-Toddler Program provides a safe space for parents
of children ages 12 to 24-months to ask questions and address
concerns with a certified Montessori instructor.
Student Support
Gladwyne Montessori is proud to provide a variety of faculty and
staff dedicated to supporting the specific needs of young learners.
A student support team offers an array of highly credentialed
child development experts who focus on speech pathology,
occupational therapy, counseling, critical literacy learning and
more.
Summer Camp
Gladwyne Montessori’s camp follows the same principles of active
learning and exploring.Campers make lasting memories as they
spend their summer days having fun while engaging in purposeful
learning and enriching activities with their peers.
2021-2022 Tuition Rates
Parent - Todler: 1.5 Hours Weekly (Oct. - May)
$1,600
Infant and Young Toddler: 5 Day Full (M-F) $24,480
Toddler: 3 Day, Half Day (M T W) $11,007
5 Day, Half Day $18,019
5 Day, Full Day $22,193
Primary: 1st & 2nd Year - Half Day $20,384
1st & 2nd Year - Full Day $23,596
3rd Year (Kindergarten) $25,089
Elementary: Grade 1-5 $25,779
Grade 6 $26,781
Gladwyne Montessori provides need-based tuition assistance to enable children of
families who are committed to Montessori education to attend our school.
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School Life
The Montessori classroom is a loving community where all members actively support one another
while successfully pursuing their own development and interests. At Gladwyne Montessori, this sense
of interconnectedness and responsibility goes beyond the classroom and is carried by its alumni and
families into the community at large. We are a community of students, teachers, administrators, board
members, neighbors, coaches, alumni and parents who are focused on serving the community.
Because the community is valued so highly, alumni, past parents, neighbors, and others from the
community support the school in various ways. Collectively, the goal is to ensure that all of the children
that attend Gladwyne Montessori will become the best version of themselves.
PTA
Gladwyne Montessori’s Parent Teacher Association
is an integral part of the school community. Through
events, drives, activities, and ideas, involvement in
the PTA offers limitless potential to make a positive
impact on the children’s place of learning. Everything
we do has the underlying goal of supporting our
school and community.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
To address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion at
Gladwyne Montessori, the DEI Reform Committee
has been established. This team represents both
parents and faculty of the Gladwyne Montessori
community. Gladwyne Montessori also commits
to prioritizing the work of anti-bias and anti-racist
(ABAR) education, having courageous conversations
among our community.
Gladwyne Montessori is a member of the American
Montessori Society and the Pennsylvania Association
of Independent Schools (PAIS).
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Gladwyne Montessori has weathered the Covid storm,
remaining open for most of the school year and enrolling
a significant number of new families for 2021-22. With
a fully balanced budget and zero debt, the school is in a
strong position to complete a $3.5 million campaign for
campus enhancements. The next Head of School will be a
leader who can work effectively with the Board, focus on
developing a strong administrative team and procedures,
and promote the mission of the full Montessori experience.
A strong faculty and a Director of Montessori Learning are
well in place.
Leadership and Personal Qualities Desired in the
Next Head of School
• An Advanced Degree
• Minimum of three years of demonstrated leadership and
management skills
• A self-aware leader who has a deep understanding of and
commitment to Montessori education
• An educator who understands and appreciates child
development … infant to pre-adolescent
• The ability to hire and retain highly competent
faculty and administrative staff who are committed to
excellence and to developing pathways for their continued
professional growth
• A leader who is committed to a highly effective and
transparent relationship with the Board
• A “people person” who enjoys being highly visible in the
school and in the community
• An understanding of the value of parents as partners in
the education of their children
• Demonstrated experience in distributive leadership in a
school environment
• Experience in finance, human resources, risk
management and general operations of a school
Gladwyne At A Glance
• A collaborative leadership style with experience in
Founded : 1962
teambuilding
Enrollment 2020-’21: 126
Projected Enrollment 2021-’22: 226 • An active listener and effective communicator who can
Lead Teachers: 15 articulate a future vision for Gladwyne Montessori
Assistant Teachers: 6 • A leader who is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion
Board Members: 15 and justice
Annual Budget 2021-’22: $5.1 Million • A leader who is committed to transparency and can earn
Endowment: $1.3 Million the trust of all constituent groups.
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The Process
Interested candidates should submit the following documents in a single merged pdf to
Mary Seppala or Doug Jennings, Consultants, Educators’ Collaborative.
• EC Candidate Summary
• Letter of interest to the Gladwyne Montessori Search Committee
• Current resume
• Statement of leadership philosophy
• List of five references with e-mail addresses and telephone contact.
Contact information: maryseppala@gmail.com or djennings@educatorscollaborative.com
Gladwyne Montessori is an independent Montessori school on Philadelphia’s Main Line. Since 1962, our students have excelled in
area middle and high schools and gone on to succeed at top colleges and universities across the country. A Gladwyne Montessori
education combines the time-tested and visionary insights of Dr. Maria Montessori with the ever-evolving world of advanced tech-
nology and modern research. The result is a confident, curious and academically superior student.
920 Youngsford Road
Gladwyne, Pennsylvania 19035
T. 610.649.1761
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