Teachers are the best advocates for children, and Montessori needs more teacher advocates to support policy change all over the country. Learn how to be the voice for Montessori children in policy whether in your state or school district!
This year the annual MPPI Advocacy Conference will feature a workshop entirely focused on helping Montessori teachers strengthen their impact on policy. Heather Gerker and Sheba Kapur will be presenting Montessori Teachers as Advocates: Nurturing Lifelong Advocacy in the Montessori Community.
Montessori teachers advocate for the rights of the child daily, but how can we extend this advocacy beyond the classroom? Grounded in recent research that amplified the voice of Montessori educators, their experiences with policies, and engagement in advocacy, this workshop will explore advocacy as a continuous journey rather than a one-time act. We will discuss what it means to be an advocate, focusing on both individual roles and collective support. Participants will reflect on the skills and experiences they bring to advocating for Montessori education and identify how their contributions, no matter how small, form a crucial part of the larger advocacy narrative. From small gestures to significant actions, each person in the Montessori community plays a unique role in creating a positive impact. Using our strengths with intention, we can embrace advocacy as a lifelong journey.
Heather Gerker is an Associate Researcher at the University of Kansas and a PhD Candidate at the University of Cincinnati. She has over 20 years of distinguished experience in Montessori education, spanning roles as a teacher, a teacher education program director, and a researcher. As the Vice President of the MPPI board, Heather is dedicated to advocacy, amplifying educator voices in policy, and fostering community connections. Her passion for equitable education and commitment to transformative change drive her work in facilitating learning and advancing the Montessori movement.
Sheba has been a devoted Montessorian for over two decades, integrating Montessori philosophy into all aspects of life. After earning her B.Sc. and Montessori credentials (3-6 and 6-12) in Toronto, Canada, she worked in preschool through middle school levels before joining WSMS-TEP in NYC. There, she developed the Elementary I-II training programs and continues to serve as the Elementary Level Coordinator, crafting curricula for adults embarking on Montessori careers. Sheba also contributes to her community as a board member of MPPI, NYSMA, and her local soccer club. She also has a newfound passion for studying native plants in her garden.