Advocacy

Pennsylvania Montessori Alliance – Recent Work 2024

Timeline of Work: Montessori Credential Recognition Discussions with Private Academic School Board

December 1, 2023 – Mary Ann Jackson, head of The Montessori School – Morrisville, PA, sent a letter the PA Private Academic School Board (PASB) and the PA Secretary of Education requesting a change in acceptance of the Montessori credential in lieu of 24 EC credits for Private Academic School Teacher Certification.

December 12, 2023 – Mary Ann contacted PMA President Diane Force regarding the letter she sent to PASB. Joint work with Montessori Public Policy Initiative (MPPI), PMA board, PASB, and Mary Ann Jackson ensued over the next 6 months.

April 19, 2024 Mary Ann made public comment regarding the requested change at the PASB meeting.

PASB agreed to draft a policy change to send to PMA for review prior to the June 19, 2024 meeting.

May 2024 – Mary Ann disseminated the draft to PA constituents for public comment. Comments were reviewed and draft was finalized by Mary Ann Jackson.

June 19, 2024 – Disagreement amongst PA Montessorians, MPPI, and AMS/AMI, and MACTE regarding the language of the final draft policy that was submitted to PASB caused the issue to be tabled by the PASB.

June-July 2024 – Meetings with the PMA board, MACTE representatives, and MPPI took place to work toward agreed upon language for the draft policy. Work continues to hopefully have the final draft presented for the PASB August 16, 2024 meeting in Harrisburg.

August -October 2024 – Discussions and meetings continued with a draft policy submitted to PASB. PASB excludes topic for October meeting until further review with the Private Academic School certification department can be completed. PMA hopes to have the policy draft on the January 17, 2025 agenda.

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It is our hope that success with the Private Academic School Board will set the stage for continued work with the Department of Education for additional credential recognition.