ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
Inclusive and equitable expansion and amplification of the
Montessori community through socially-just networking, professional
development, outreach, advocacy, and coordination of resources.
WHO ARE WE?
The Virginia Montessori Association (VMA) is a non-profit 501(c)3 that was established in 2015 to bring Montessorians in Virginia together, and to offer a community from which we all could benefit. Administrators, educators, parents, thought leaders, and other Montessori supporters can connect, inform, and communicate in a way that is of value to all.
HOW WE DO IT
VMA is run by a volunteer Board of Directors who are committed to its mission. Several committees staffed by board members and outside volunteers help structure and manage the board’s work with the aim of uniting and advancing the Montessori community in Virginia.
We are always looking for new volunteers to join our committees. Bring your skills, expertise, enthusiasm, and appreciation for the Montessori Method, and join us! Read on to learn about the different committees.
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advocacy committee
There is a lot of work to be done to make Montessori widely recognized for the excellent educational philosophy that it is. But our impact would be much bigger if the whole Virginia Montessori community spoke with a unified voice. VMA, under the guidance of the Montessori Public Policy Initiative, is actively working on several initiatives to facilitate the work of Montessori providers throughout the state, including: Early Childhood Educator Scholarships, Virginia Literacy Act, expansion of public Montessori, Quality Rating Improvement Systems (QRIS) and CLASS, pathways for teacher licensure, and more!
Check out VMA’s past advocacy successes here.
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Become part of the change. Bring forth your skills, passions, cares and concerns, and together, let's move Montessori forward in Virginia. All are welcome to join us in advocacy! E-mail Advocacy Committee.
diversity, equity & inclusion committee
As Montessorians in Virginia, we must find the humility and courage required to critically examine ourselves. Maria Montessori emphasized the importance of the prepared adult, the reflection and knowledge required on one’s self first in order to serve as guides for children. We must start there. As such, the DEI committee has launched the Montessori Educator’s Community group. The group meets monthly, on the first Thursday of each month at 4:30pm, to provide a safe space for educators to share and be heard. Educators of all backgrounds and levels are invited to join us to discuss classroom-related topics, provide teacher education and mentoring, share resources, and create community – all from an anti-bias/anti-racist (ABAR) lens. The DEI committee also hosts or sponsors events in Virginia that advance diversity, equity and inclusion.
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E-mail us your interest to be involved or to join one of our meetings as a guest speaker.
Add event to your calendar here.
outreach, enrollment & growth committee
The goal of the OEG committee is to achieve the equitable expansion of Montessori in Virginia. It does this by growing and diversifying membership; enhancing outreach efforts to engage with the community; and conducting surveys of Montessori schools and programs in Virginia, among other things.
By working collaboratively with various stakeholders, including member schools, parents, and community partners, the OEG committee strives to build a strong foundation for VMA while fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Become involved.
member services committee
The Member Services Committee works to align VMA's resources and efforts with members' needs. We serve Virginia’s Montessori schools, educators, and families, all of whom want the best for children. This connection to our community allows us to act as a dynamic and responsive entity.
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The committee maintains updated resources for teacher trainings, professional development resources, and employment opportunities in Virginia. We help coordinate regional "Montessori Mingles", which provide opportunities for networking and collaboration among members. These gatherings provide a platform for individuals to connect, share insights, and build a supportive community and mentorship.
E-mail us to learn more about how you can get involved.
communications committee
The Communications Committee keeps VMA’s members and the public at large informed about VMA’s ongoing work, achievements and needs, as well as any news pertaining to Montessori in Virginia. It does this through different means of communication, including newsletter, social media, website and blog posts. We’re always looking for volunteers with a media and communications background, or graphic/web design skills. E-mail us if you’re interested - we’d love to hear from you!