Exploring Educational Savings Accounts: A Guide for Parents

Maria Montessori (1870-1952), an Italian physician, and educator, made significant contributions to the field of education. Throughout her career, she wrote numerous articles and publications focusing on her educational philosophy and methodology. If you are considering sending your child to a Montessori school, you will find reading Dr. Montessori's writings worthwhile.

A word of caution: Dr. Montessori never trademarked her name. As a result, just because a school has the name Montessori doesn't mean it is the real thing. Caveat emptor! Buyer beware! Read 5 Clues That It Might Not Really Be A Montessori School to see what I mean.

Here are some notable articles written by Maria Montessori:

"The Montessori Method" (1909)

Considered one of Dr. Montessori's most influential works, this article introduced Montessori's innovative educational approach, emphasizing the importance of the prepared environment, freedom of choice, and hands-on learning experiences.

"The Montessori Elementary Material" (1917)

In this article, Montessori discussed the materials and activities she designed specifically for the elementary level, highlighting the role of independence, exploration, and abstraction in children's education.

"The Four Planes of Education" (1949)

Montessori outlined her theory of the four planes of development, which proposed that children go through distinct stages of growth and learning, each with its own characteristics and educational needs.

"The Secret of Childhood" (1936)

In this article, Montessori explored childhood's psychological and developmental aspects, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment that nurtures the child's natural tendencies and promotes self-discipline.

"Education for a New World"

Ensuring the safety and security of students and faculty members in schools is a top priority for educators, parents, and community members alike. With the rise of school shootings and other violent incidents, it is essential to have a comprehensive plan in place to protect everyone on your school campus. In this article, we will comprehensively analyze the key factors that impact school security, including planning by a professional security firm, cost, how to implement recommendations, buy-in from stakeholders, and the importance of considering the impact on students and staff when making decisions.

Hire a professional security firm.

Planning by a professional security firm is a critical component of school security. These firms have the expertise and experience to identify potential risks and develop effective mitigation strategies. In addition, they can thoroughly assess the school's physical environment, including the building layout, access points, and existing security measures. Your board andThis information can then develop a customized security plan that addresses the unique needs of the school. However, the cost of hiring a professional security firm can be a significant barrier for many schools. The expenses associated with a comprehensive security plan can be substantial, and the school must weigh the benefits of increased security against the financial constraints of the budget. This tradeoff can be challenging, but ensuring that the school is adequately protected is vital while being mindful of the available financial resources.

Effective implementation is vital.

Implementing the recommendations made by a security firm

Voucher programs have become a subject of significant interest in education policy, with almost a quarter of states implementing such programs. These initiatives aim to give parents more educational choices for their children, allowing them to use public funds to enroll their children in private or parochial schools.

This article overviews voucher programs in thirteen states—Arizona, Colorado, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin. In addition, it highlights the year each program became law and provides a brief description of each state's voucher program.

Arizona (1997)

Arizona's voucher program, the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA), was established in 1997. Initially limited to students with disabilities, the program has expanded to include other eligible student populations, such as children from military families and those attending low-performing schools. ESA provides parents with public funds through education savings accounts for various educational expenses, including tuition, textbooks, and tutoring services.

Colorado (2003)

Colorado's voucher program, the School Choice Grant Program, was enacted in 2003. The program aims to provide educational options for students from low-income families attending low-performing schools. Qualified students receive tuition grants at private schools participating in the program.

District of Columbia (2003)

The District of Columbia Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) was established in 2003. It is the only federally funded voucher program in the United States. The OSP offers scholarships to low-income families residing in the District of Columbia, enabling them to enroll their children in participating private schools.

Florida (1999)

Florida's voucher program,

When you apply for a teaching position, the technical and soft skills you offer are high on the list of prerequisites. We'll cover technical skills in another article. But first, look at soft skills and learn why they are the backdrop against which you will be assessed both as a teacher and an individual. Listing your soft skills on your resume identifies you as a candidate who will be a good fit in the classroom and the larger school community.

The importance of soft skills

Soft skills are crucial in an interview because they are the traits that can set you apart from others with similar technical abilities. After all, you will not be the only applicant for the position you have applied for. Your soft skills can and should drive you to the top of the list. Why? Because schools want to know that a potential teacher has the following soft skills:

1. work well with others
2. communicate effectively
3. adapt to new situations

Soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership can make you stand out in an interview. These skills can also demonstrate your ability to handle stress, work under pressure, and think critically. In many cases, your soft skills can be just as essential as your technical skills regarding hiring decisions. That's why it's always a good idea to focus on developing your soft skills alongside your technical abilities.

What are soft skills?

Soft skills are those personal attributes, habits, and social behaviors