Pamela Shanks:
Inclusive values are Montessori values
This session will focus on the alignment between the values that support the inclusion of children who learn differently and the shared values that we hold as Montessori educators. If you tell me that you are a teacher, I know a bit about you. If you tell me you are a Montessori teacher, I know so much more. It is our Montessori values that bind us together, guiding our daily practice. The aligned inclusive values you will learn about offer the same guidance for inclusive experiences. Whether you are practicing inclusion or not, these values offer a path for understanding, change, and success. Come to this session, sprinkled with touching stories of inclusive experiences Montessori classrooms, and walk away with a new understanding of how you can change the life of a child.
Lecture details
Age group: 3-6
Lecture duration: 36 minutes
Date: April 2021
Bio
Pam Shanks has been involved in both Montessori and special education for her entire teaching career. In addition to her AMS 3-6 credential, Pam earned a master’s degree in special education from the University of Kansas and held licensing for early childhood education, early childhood special education, and severe multiple disabilities while teaching in Kansas. She worked as a lead teacher in a primary classroom at Raintree Montessori School, Lawrence, KS, for over 30 years. She coordinated the program of inclusion at Raintree while also serving as a supervising teacher for graduate practicum students from KU’s department of special education placed at Raintree. She served as a Field Based Consultant for the entire tenure of the Inclusive Network of Kansas (INKS) and was an instructor for the University of East Carolina's Deafblind Intervener Program for several years. She has presented at a variety of conferences including the Montessori World Congress in Portland; authored many articles on special education in Montessori environments; was a contributing author for 2 books; and authored several on-line modules on special education topics. She currently serves as the Associate Head of School at Bowman School in Palo Alto, CA where she continues to support Montessori teachers and inclusive education.