Koren Clark and Tiarra Knox

Montessori By Any Means Necessary                Elementary

In this workshop we will examine the tension that educators experience between the Montessori method and the Montessori philosophy as they strive to meet the needs of the child. We will explore what happens when the humanity of the children we are serving is put above the Montessori method.  As we unpack what it means to “observe the child” teachers will learn how and when the Montessori method might get in the way of the Montessori philosophy. We will examine classroom antidotes and Montessori theory so that teachers can identify the strands of critical consciousness that exist within the Montessori philosophy.  We will look at the implications of nurturing this critical consciousness within our classrooms along the lines of age, gender, race and culture. Finally, we will examine the possible impact of what happens to the needs of marginalized children when the Montessori method is prioritized over the philosophy.

Koren Clark M.Ed supports the development and design of tools and schools for our liberation. Clark holds a state credential, an administrative credential and Montessori certificate. She has worked in the field of education for over 20 years and served as a Montessori guide for a 6-9 for almost 10 years. She earned her degree in Sociology from UC Berkeley and her Masters of in Montessori education from St. Catherine’s University.  Clark has traveled internationally to over 15 different countries and has studied abroad in Germany, Zimbabwe and Egypt. She conducted research with Sudanese refugee students in Egypt and developed a nationally recognized curriculum in Oakland utilized by UC Berkeley department of nutrition. Clark’s mission towards the personal liberation of herself and others has led to her to the production of self-liberating tools to protect the social-emotional esteem and identity development of our most vulnerable youth through her business entitled “KnowThyself inc.”  where she offers professional development trainings and educational materials for educators nationwide, and works to engage teacher who want to open their own liberated schools through her work as a Wildflower partner.