More than 70 teachers travelled from 13 states, Chile and Brazil last weekend to learn about Countryside Montessori School’s All Year Montessori class. They came to listen to veteran Countryside teacher Michele Aspinall talk about the unique program she helped create a decade ago.
Workshop attendees had the opportunity to tour the school and examine Aspinall’s famously beautiful indoor and outdoor environments.
Aspinall spoke honestly about the challenges an AYM program presents for teachers and administrators. She also shared her conviction that children benefit tremendously from the continuity and quality of care offered in Countryside’s AYM class.
Educational consultant Carol Alver agrees. Alver traveled from her home in Nashville to participate in Aspinall’s workshop.
“We need to come to grips with the needs of the young child,” Alver said.
“Children need to work,” she said, emphasizing that the young child’s work should be constructive, joyful and offered to each child as “an affirmation.”
Alver also noted that AYM programs are difficult to implement, and many programs fail within a few years.
“Michele is a great mentor now,” Alver said. “She took a great leap of faith when she started this program. Her first years were very hard.” Alver said Aspinall’s workshop presentations demonstrate that her class has been a dramatic success, and that Aspinall is a confident, leading educator.
The AYM program seeks to meet the needs of families with children between the ages of two and a half and six years old who need a full day of care. Aspinall’s class is open from 7:30 until 5:30, 245 days a year. Her class and the workshop she leads have an international reputation.
Countryside Montessori School’s enrollment is typically 150 students. The school has a toddler environment, three primary classes, upper and lower elementary classes. The school offers an AYM program at the elementary level. This year Countryside will also begin offering optional extended academic hours for all elementary students.
Director of Education Wendy Calise said Countryside teachers embrace a philosophy of joyful teaching and learning, and often find traditional school hours are too short. Learning in a stimulating environment surrounded by a community of friends is energizing and exciting for teachers and students of all ages, Calise said.
Michele Aspinall agrees. She has been at Countryside for 20 years, and has worked in all areas, toddler, primary and elementary. She is dedicated to Countryside’s philosophy and mission, and very proud of the AYM program.
“The All-Year class is almost 10 years old and in a really good place. This environment has become a home away from home for me and for many children. I love my job.”
See related article in the TribLocal
