Sarasota University, CGMS Announce Historic Partnership the
tion between CGMS programs and those of Sarasota, eventually
world’s only Montessori-focused
including dual enrollment. But first, we intend to work with the
institution
Sarasota
University,
educa-
University to improve all of their systems and processes.” He
tion, and the Center for Guided
clarified that the CGMS management team will complement, not
Montessori
replace, SU existing staff.
of
higher
Studies,
one
of
the world’s leading accredited
teacher
confidence about the opportunities this new direction affords
today
education announced
programs, a
historic
Kitty Bravo, the Director of Education at CGMS, expressed
both institutions. “CGMS and Sarasota University share a passion-
the
ate commitment to the highest standards of Montessori educa-
direction of Montessori higher
tion. We have long admired Sarasota University, and together we
education.
feel that we can realize our long held dream to run a university
partnership
to
reshape
designed and led by Montessorians which serves the global community of Montessori educators and schools.”
Although CGMS is affiliated with the International Montessori
Council, this will not be an exclusive relationship. Sarasota UniSarasota University (SU) founder Dr. Ronald Ogrodnik said
versity will continue to welcome adult learners who are enrolled
that the Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS) will now
in, or who have completed an accredited Montessori certification
lead the institution. CGMS partners, Tim Seldin, Kitty Bravo, and
program from other organizations. “Our goal is to serve the entire
Marc Seldin have been named to the SU board, and CGMS will
Montessori community,” says Kitty Bravo.
serve as the management company in charge of all SU opera-
tions. Dr. Ogrodnik will continue to serve on the board and as the
Foundation. Asked about next steps, Mr. Seldin offered a guide to
university President. Dr. Daniel Robin Howe will serve as Director
CGMS’ initial priorities.
Tim Seldin is President of CGMS and the Montessori
of Education.
“Working together, CGMS and SU will be able to further our
establishment of a new position at the university: a Student Suc-
institution’s mission of offering strengths based education,” said
cess Coordinator, who will work with individual students to guide
Dr. Ogrodnik. He continued, “CGMS is the perfect partner for SU.
them along their educational journey. Among the tasks ahead will
Founded in 2006, CGMS is one of the world’s largest and most re-
be the development of strong systems for community engage-
spected Montessori teacher education programs and entirely
ment and enrollment, input from faculty and staff, a new learning platform
shares SU’s values.”
“One of the essential elements of our plans for the future is the
Sarasota University is the only accredited in-
for courses, strong financial plan-
stitution of higher education solely devoted to
ning, institutional advancement,
Montessori. Although some other colleges and
and the development of a fresh
universities offer Montessori oriented degrees,
strategic plan.”
SU is the sole institution devoted entirely to im-
Sarasota University is an
plementing Dr. Montessori’s vision for higher
accredited institution offering
education.
master’s degrees in Montessori
Asked about his vision for the fu-
ture, CGMS Director of Operations Marc Seldin said “We hope
education and leadership. Find out more online at www.sarasotauniversity.edu
to offer closer integra-
VOLUME 23 ISSUE 1 • 2021 | WWW.MONTESSORI.ORG/IMC | ©MONTESSORI LEADERSHIP
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