REFERENCES
“It was a pleasure hosting Chris at QAIS. His patient, unassuming and encouraging approach, combined with his extensive experience and deep understanding of Montessori philosophy, assisted our teachers in expanding their practice, especially in the areas of classroom management and language instruction. Parents who attended his presentation on the benefits of a Montessori education walked away with new insights, new appreciation, and renewed enthusiasm for all that Montessori has to offer. Our team is grateful for Chris’s support of our program and we hope to see him again soon at QAIS.” -Chris Vicari, Director of Qingdao Amerasia International School (QAIS)
"Chris is an extraordinary teacher and educational leader...The love and involvement each child displayed toward learning was a joy to observe. Chris created an atmosphere that empowered them to be independent, creative learners. He was able to develop a carefully planned program that supported the academic and emotional needs of a multi-age classroom, while attending to every child’s individual needs and differences.
Chris was considerably involved as a mentor and leader. His work involved providing classroom observations with detailed feedback to our teachers, writing monthly educational articles for our parents, and mediating when called upon. His support and non-judgmental attitude encouraged teachers and parents to seek his expertise. The extensive knowledge he has of children, their learning styles and differences, Montessori pedagogy and philosophy, is still very much missed.
Above all, Chris is a kind and compassionate educator. His deep understanding and concern for people coupled with his knowledge of children and supervision make him an outstanding candidate for any program. I recommend him with the highest regard."
Michael Walker, Head of School Old Colony Montessori School Hingham, Massachusetts
"I have known Chris for over twenty years, as a friend, colleague and employer. During this time I have come to appreciate Chris’ level of knowledge, commitment and dedication to his profession, a Montessori educator with exemplary skills.
His contributions to Montessori span from being one of the only people I know with Montessori training covering twelve years, ages three to six, six to twelve, and twelve to 15. This broad foundation gives him the breadth and depth of seeing whole child development in a thorough context of Montessori pedagogy...
In a short time he transformed it (middle school) into a destination of choice, and the culminating experience for our families. Students stayed at Ruffing to experience the quality and ease of transfer to a variety of high schools. Our students were known to be self directed, independent, motivated, critical thinkers, and recruited by all area schools.
I would hire Chris again, and any school having the opportunity to have him join their team, will be well served with Chris Ackerman."
Gordon L. Maas, Head of School Ruffing Montessori School Cleveland Heights, Ohio
"Chris raises the bar for all students, relates brilliantly to the adolescent, and possesses a bird’s-eye view within the walls of the classroom and beyond its constraints...
As our director, he held students to the highest standards in novel, history, and philosophy classes. Chris’s playful and caring nature allowed students to approach him at any time. He understands the teen at his or her best and worst... We continue to utilize his curriculum today; it prepares our students for high school and we are proud of it...
As a teacher, I learned much from Chris. As I continue in my capacity at Ruffing Montessori Middle School, I ask myself daily, What would Chris do in this situation? As a parent, I am grateful for his influence in my children’s lives. We miss his presence. As a friend, I miss his ability to make us laugh and not take ourselves so seriously.
For these reasons and many others, I wholeheartedly recommend Christopher Ackerman."
Kathie Freer, Director of Middle School Ruffing Montessori School Cleveland Heights, Ohio
"I can say that without doubt, Chris is one of the most outstanding and committed educators I have known. His insight and leadership were much valued by students, teachers and parents at Old Colony Montessori School. Any school in which he works will be most fortunate to have Chris Ackerman on their team."
Jacqueline Debas, Children's House Director Old Colony Montessori School Hingham, Massachusetts
"Chris... worked with both our trained and non-trained staff, and has been a particularly great support to our language specialists. Chris has helped them break down the language curriculum and provide them with tips in making their lessons more exciting. His good-natured personality was very much enjoyed."
Aicha Sajid, Head of School, Ecole Montessori Casablanca, Morocco
"In the time that I have worked with Chris, I have observed and appreciated his excellent communication skills. Chris is very good at navigating difficult conversations, especially with parents. He brings a calm demeanor, active listening and extensive experience to these situations. I have seen him skillfully diffuse contentious parent meetings...
This year, the Andover School of Montessori completed the dual reaccreditation process. It was through this intensive work that I came to realize Chris’s writing and editing talents. These skills coupled with Chris’s Montessori training from Children’s House through Middle School brought a level of expertise, that I believe, allowed ASM to successfully complete the self-study and meet established deadlines that by all accounts were ambitious...
In terms of his work with teachers he strives to support them but also offers constructive feedback as a supervisor. As a result, commendable work has occurred with more detailed writing of parent conference reports among other things. Parent education programs have also been an area where Chris has introduced new ideas and practices as part of a school wide initiative to increase student retention.
I would highly recommend Chris for any position in the field of education with his vast knowledge of the Montessori curriculum, classroom teaching experience, administrative experience and communication skills. He truly is a valuable resource who is respected by his colleagues, the parents in Upper School and the students."
Susan Burns, Director of Children’s Houses Andover School of Montessori Andover, Massachusetts
"Chris is thoughtful in his communications with all staff and this skill serves him well... He is a daily, supportive presence in guiding teachers in classrooms. In curriculum development, Chris has worked with the Lower Elementary teaching teams to model extensions of the Montessori Math curriculum so that students will experience challenges on an individual and small group basis. He has supplied data analysis forms for their record keeping and for the longitudinal analysis of WRAT and ERB test results. At the Upper Elementary level, Chris has provided weekly coaching in order to strengthen team dynamics between two classrooms. At the Middle School level, he has provided staff development advice to the teaching team in relation to Writing, Math and Community Service projects. The most recent community service project that he coordinated was an inter-generational study in which MS students were paired with residents in an Andover Assisted Living facility.
Chris possesses excellent writing skills. He has re-written the elementary curriculum information on the school’s website. He has planned and written text for curriculum education nights for parents. His talks at the Parent Organization’s meetings on two topics of concern, student use of the internet and bullying, have been very well received.
Chris greatly enjoys working with students as well as adults. He often spends time in the classrooms giving new lessons. He has excellent understanding of, and rapport with, the children."
Susan E. Kluver, Interim Head of School Andover School of Montessori Andover, Massachusetts
"As a teaching Library Media Specialist, I have collaborated closely with him on many middle school projects and trips such as Montessori Model United Nations and the curriculum-related trip to Washington, D.C. Together with the middle school lead teacher, we attended the Montessori Model UN training in October 2010 and have worked together effectively on that year-long study in 2011, and again this year. With Chris’ help, the program was extremely successful both times.
Chris has consistently provided me with helpful feedback about my own goals and work. I really appreciated working with him as my supervisor, because he was well-organized, listened closely to my goals, responded helpfully and carefully documented our interchanges. This year, we collaborated on a well-received parent association presentation about Internet and social media use and safety. He is often modest about his own input, and quick to recognize the achievements of students and colleagues.
Two of Chris’ many strengths that have benefitted the whole community, are his deep knowledge of Montessori methods and philosophy, and his strong writing abilities...Chris Ackerman will be a strong contributor at any institution he joins, and we will sorely miss him at Andover School of Montessori. I recommend him enthusiastically."
Suzie Devine, Library Media Specialist Andover School of Montessori Andover, Massachusetts
"Chris, with his vast knowledge of Montessori methods, curriculum and philosophy, was a strong mentor and coach especially for the newer and younger teachers at the school. Chris would observe these teachers in their classrooms and then would provide feedback, guidance and other helpful suggestions to help them grow and develop their teaching skills and insights. Chris was always a support for them and was always available. In speaking with the teachers, they have expressed their appreciation for Chris’s support, guidance and thoughtful constructive comments. They felt he was approachable and that they could come to him for advice.
On the administrative side, Chris was also very attentive to the parent community: communicating, educating and providing support to them. They were very satisfied with the school leadership, felt comfortable talking with him and found him approachable. He promoted a positive image of the school and was an excellent spokesperson to prospective parents, many of whom enrolled their children for the coming year."
Meredith Ghattas, President of the Board (former) Wellesley Montessori School Wellesley, Massachusetts