UHart’s Center for Montessori Studies Receives $100K Gift

Founded in 2017, the Center for Montessori Studies is an intellectual community contributing to Montessori education and the broader implications of Dr. Maria Montessori's theories on human development, learning, and social reform. The Center's interdisciplinary work brings together the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, The Hartt School and University Studies programs on campus.

"This gift from Wend will provide further opportunities to support practitioners and researchers working together with community to address emerging educational needs," said Paige M. Bray, the director of the Center and associate professor of early childhood education. "We are humbled to be supported in our work that brings researchers and practitioners together, joint ventures which consistently center community and human capacity while also providing intentional Montessori pedagogical, data-informed practices to higher education programs."

Joshua A. Russell, professor of music education at The Hartt School and a founding fellow of the Center, added: "This generous gift will help forward the impact that the Center for Montessori Studies can make in the Hartford area improving educational experiences for young people."

Over the past decade, Wend's educational efforts have been a critical, amplifying force for Montessori around the world. Through an extensive community partnership network, Wend has both sustained and extended Montessori for today's children, adolescents, families and community-minded educators.

The Center for Montessori Studies extends the impact of Montessori Studies at the UHart which includes undergraduate and graduate programs delivered in partnership with CREC/Montessori Training Center Northeast since 2008. Courtney Reim, managing director of the Montessori Training Center Northeast and research fellow states, "This investment helps to advance the commitment to 'education for life,' ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve".

Learn more about UHart's Center for Montessori Education.