It is such a privilege to know such special people have my back as I persevere through

My LAST Semester of Montessori Teaching Certification!

THANK YOU!

A Bit of Background

After decades of serving in the not-for-profit world, a few friends and I started a 501-3 to localize community development through the arts and culture. Flourishing cultural mapping and citizen science programs in one unique village (more details later), attracted numerous grant collaborators who urged me to complete a Professional Community and Economic Development Certification. After 3 years of classes and applying that learning in our work, I sat for the national exam and passed! That was quite an achievement despite hardships at the grassroots level due to divisions of religion, politics, and pandemic.

While recuperating from that difficult season, I narrowed my focus to

nature engagement focused community development with families of little ones!

Although the pandemic interrupted my progress and tested my intentions,

I am finally in the internship phase of AMS Infant Toddler Certification!

Many thanks to all who've cheered me up and on!

(I cannot thank you enough ~ may the children thank you, too!)

A Bit about the Program

I actually had a full time job in a Montessori school and started this program in 2019, but was interrupted by the pandemic shut down. I finally restarted the 2023/24 academic program which required two weekends each month in an adult classroom in West Chester, PA, while I worked five days a week in a Montessori children's classroom. 2024/25 involves a formal practicum or internship with supervision, evaluation, research and reporting. For this LAST Semester I have chosen an AMI School recognizing their founding commitment to community building in disadvantaged areas and their cross cultural focus.

A Bit about the Finances

If you are wondering why I took an unpaid internship or why there isn't more funding for teacher training, you are in good company. All I can say is that sometimes we go far our of our way to do what is best and to learn from the best. I trust my choices will have excellent, far reaching effects for the children's sake.

And hopefully, this quick fundraiser will secure a modest room near the AMI school in Sussex County, Delaware; it could help cover some tuition assistance; and some would go toward printing 2 Nature Engagement Research Projects that I hope to submit for critique and eventually publish!

Currently, January through June, each day after my 5 hour morning shift at the AMI school, I work odd jobs and I am accept speaking engagements. I am also very excited about 2 curriculum consulting contracts that start in June with Interfaith Power & Light. What a privilege!

I would be thrilled to share with your small group, in a workshop format, or zoom room:

• Nature Engagement toward Good Citizenry ~ in story telling format
• "Welcome to Lenapehokink" ~ a 3 part power point presentation with lots of links and info on Cultural Mapping and Lenape Forest Gardening
• How Traditional Ecological Knowledge influenced Marie Montessori and other Educational Reformists ~ part of my soon to be published research

Grateful to those who are able to forward my contact information and to those who appreciate such unique presentations, I am eager to share my experiences and my learnings.

A Bit on the BIG Picture

Of course, upon completion I will qualify for a salaried position at a plethora of needy schools. But in the long term, I am excited to blend this teaching certification with my specialties in Cultural Contextualization and Nature Engagement, which puts me in a unique position to teach, coach, and consult with communities committed to healthy, young families!

And by the time I am ready to step back from high energy children's work, I hope to settle into my golden years as a Philosophy of Education Guide, training the next generation of teachers (and planning commissioners) in cross cultural expectations with respect for All Life toward Peace on Earth!

I'll be so relieved to know you are joining me in support of healthy communities for children as I complete

My LAST Semester of Montessori Teaching Certification!

With Gratitude

For the Children,

~ RuthAnn