Gini Newcomb
is
certified MIA (Montessori Institute of America) since 1986 and MEPI
(Montessori Educational Programs International) since 1995. She has served in the
various positions of School Manager, Assistant Director, Director,
and Lead Teacher- but her
favorite position is in the classroom with the children.
Gini has a BA in Studio Art with a Minor in Art History from the
University of Missouri at Kansas City. Since leaving the classroom in order to author and promote the classroom
guides, she has continued her active work with children and parents
through her program, Roots & Wings Family Yoga. She is a certified YogaKids facilitator and is available
to give teacher workshops for integrating yoga into the classroom.
She has three sons, three daughters-in-law, and three awesome
grandchildren, Howie, Marley, and Lincoln Mikaela.
Montessori
Educational Programs International
Montessori Educational Programs International, MEPI, was founded
in 1995 by representatives of seven teacher education programs and
other individuals interested in promoting peace through authentic
Montessori education and practice.
The organization, comprised of individual and school members from
the United
States and several other countries, is an outgrowth of the work
of Dr. Helen K.
Billings, an inspiring leader in the field of Montessori education.
Following her
participation in a Montessori teacher education program in Italy
in 1960 she
actively encouraged others, through her global network,
to adopt the
Montessori philosophy into their lives in general, and especially
in their work as
educators.
MEPI, in the spirit of this purpose, offers education programs for
Montessori
teachers, leadership for the membership though its publications,
quality control
for all schools, teacher education programs, and humanitarian assistance
to
children and families in need.
The basic premise of MEPI is that mankind will continue to advance
towards higher
states of harmony and wisdom. In this enhanced society, we envision
that every responsible individual will make a lasting commitment
to education and to the search for knowledge and new ideas. Such
efforts will bring a greater understanding of the universal needs
of Man and encourage the will to be more cooperative and productive
as we aim to achieve these goals and values common to us all. While
we stress cooperative efforts toward rational educational goals,
we also want to recognize and allow room for new ideas to be heard.
Being tolerant of differences is one of the hallmarks of the Montessori
world and MEPI. By respecting individual differences, we aim to
encourage a productive exchange of ideas and techniques. The philosophy
of MEPI is a work in progress. Through awareness, tolerance and
understanding, we can achieve peace among members of our organization
and our immediate communities. The achievement of localized peace
and harmony will in turn encourage a global and universal peace.
MEPI Mission Statement
MEPI exemplifies authentic Montessori education and promotes excellence
through certified schools, professional training, and certified
classroom directors. The mission focus is:
To foster and
encourage authentic Montessori education
To furnish information, guidance, instruction, and consultation
To help each child reach his/her full human potential
To offer and apply developmentally appropriate and educationally
sound principles of learning
To serve children and families through humanitarian efforts
To promote peace through education
To visit the MEPI
website click
here.
