Type Of Business:
1) Montessori educator training program 2) Montessori charter school
Marketing Area:
1) International 2) Regional
Expertise:
Distance education; School leadership; Montessori education; Charter schools; School reform; Consulting
Major Product/SVS:
1) Montessori philosophy education; School leadership; Record keeping; Distance education; School reform 2) Tuition-free Montessori education
Hobbies/Sports:
Music; Writing; Playing the guitar
Education Degrees:
Pursuing Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology and Distance Education, Nova Southeastern University; Master of Science in Charter School Educational Leadership, Nova Southeastern University (2005); Bachelor of Science in General Studies, New College of Florida (1985)
Affiliations Awards:
American Montessori Society; Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education; Former Member, Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career was being asked to join a state advisory panel for charter schools three years in a row by the state governor.
Number Of Years In Profession:
20
Number Of Years In Current Position:
11
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her commitment to educational reform, in addition to her persistence, creative thinking, and ability to work with others.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession after becoming a parent; she sought work in an industry that would accommodate a schedule conducive to a family life style. Also, she had eight years of experience working for private schools. She now has 12 years of experience in the public sector as the founder of a charter school.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Elder founded the school 11 years ago after teaching for six years.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Serving as a founder and executive director for a charter school and online training program specializing in Montessori pedagogy; Consulting with staff and other schools on program development; Overseeing an instructor in training course; Handling administration and school operations; Maintaining the strategic vision and mission for the Montessori charter school system on a daily basis
Education Certifications:
Teaching Certification in Educational Leadership (K-12), State of Florida; Teaching Certification in Elementary Education (K-6), State of Florida; Teaching Certification in Integrated Middle Schools (5-9), State of Florida; Teaching Certification in Exceptional Student Education (K-12), State of Florida
Awards/Honors:
Gubernatorial Appointment, Florida Charter School Review Panel for Achievement in Peace Education (2010, 2009, 2008); Award of Appreciation for 10 Years of Service as an Executive Director of a Charter School; Accreditation as One of the First Online Training Programs for Montessori Educators
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Elder hopes to finish an Ed.D., do more consulting work for the Montessori charter school program, and eventually teach at the university level. In the latter endeavor, she intends to focus on teacher training and school reform.