Catherine, a mother of two, is an award-winning Montessori teacher, teacher educator, former school director, and school consultant. Her writing appears in Montessori publications around the globe.
I met Dr. Catherine McTamaney at the American Montessori Society's Heads of Schools Retreat in the Dominican Republic last year. I was drawn to attend that retreat because her book, The Tao of Montessori was a tool that was used enthusiastically when I was taking Montessori teacher training. I gave copies of her book to all my staff members. I still remember some of my teachers smiling when I would start a staff meeting with a passage from the Tao.
Her book, has been described as a gift from one teacher to all teachers and parents of “the tiny miracles that unfold every day in our classrooms.” Catherine links the 81 verses of Lao-tzu's 25-century old Tao Te Ching with short essays on her life as a Montessori classroom teacher. The result is a series of meditations on the teacher’s craft that will bring a smile to your face! Catherine's inspirational writing not only changed my thinking towards education, but demonstrated the interconnectedness of all the aspects of our life. When you read a chapter, it doesn’t necessary speak to you about the classroom or teaching, but all walks of life. The Tao of Montessori and articles authored by Catherine, are some of the best reading materials and resources available for Montessorians. Some of my most popular workshops, use her work as the basis of the presentation.
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| Munir Shivji and Catherine McTamaney |
As the facilitator of the retreat, Catherine's discussion focused on how to observe teachers to identify their strengths and weaknesses, build environments within schools that support best practice and collaboration, and model compassion and grace in leadership. In her presentation, Catherine wove quotes from Maria Montessori with quotes from philosophers, researchers, and theorists from around the world and over many centuries to help us evaluate our own leadership styles and plan how we might be more effective in our roles and responsibilities; she touched the whole group. As a participant, I was in awe. My colleagues, many other participants and I all connected with her presentation and her words kept us all engaged over the two-day retreat.
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| Catherine McTamaney |
After leaving the AMS retreat, I was compelled to have Catherine as our next keynote presenter for the Montessori Back to School Conference in Houston. I wanted our members and teachers to experience the same awakening. Her presentation, Nurturing the Spirit of the Teacher addressed the inner quest to connect with our spiritual selves in order to better serve the children in classrooms. The audience was engaged, captivated, energized and left motivated. Her evaluations were nothing but positive.
I am proud to call Catherine a good friend whom I respect tremendously. The Tao of Montessori is a must have for your library. Take a moment to read a single stanza, then put it aside and ponder upon its meaning. By revisiting one verse each day, you can relate its images to your life as a teacher, parent, or child. Whether you are familiar with the writings of Lao-tzu or are simply ready to explore a refreshingly thoughtful perspective on children and teachers, The Tao of Montessori is a profound work of intellectual stimulation.
