Florida Montessori Partnerships hosts first meeting

The new organization for Montessori school leaders, educators and parents will kick off on October 15, 2022.

Executive director Sheila Linville encourages Floridians to register for the inaugural meeting.

Florida Montessori Partnership (FMP) is a group whose mission is to serve the entire Florida Montessori community of parents and professionals in developing quality programs across the state. The FMP is the result of a fellowship program of the American Montessori Society, the Emerging Leaders Fellowship, of which one of the founders, Lorna Cohen, is a current fellow. Ms. Cohen’s Capstone project, the creation and development of the Florida Montessori Project, came out of her desire to support the entire Florida Montessori Community.

What is the Florida Montessori Partnership? The FMP (Florida Montessori Partnership) is a new organization designed to include and meet the needs of any Florida educator, parent, or school leader who wants to follow Montessori advocacy in the state of Florida, including the public and private sectors.

Who are the founders of the Florida Montessori Partnership? There are three key founders who are guiding the work of the FMP: Sheila Linville, current director of the IMC Accreditation Council; Michael Picone, Principle at Countryside Montessori School in Land O’Lakes, FL; and Lorna Cohen, Coordinator of Instruction and Philosophy at Countryside Montessori School.

Do you have regular meetings? Yes. The goal is to have a regular meeting schedule. The frequency of the meetings will be determined by the participants at the first meeting which will take place on Saturday, October 15 from 9:30 to 1 p.m. at Countryside Montessori School.

What happens at the meetings? The goal of the FMP is to serve the schools and families who
choose to participate.

The goal of the October 15th meeting is to address the needs of the community by identifying and including all interested stakeholders. At the first meeting we will refine the Mission and Vision of the organization using the ideas and expressed needs of all who attend. Attendees will also learn about the Montessori Public Policy Initiative and the work being done to support schools in the US. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

How can I get more information? Information about the FMP can be found at our website:
https://www.floridamontessoripartnerships.com/