ASU Student
Hundreds of children have passed through one Valley Montessori
school and a Phoenix woman has been there through it all. Now more than 25
years later, 58 year old Rita Ramirez is still at Reed Montessori, doing
what she loves to do - teach. "The most gratifying thing about teaching is
seeing that you make a difference in people's lives", Mrs. Ramirez said.
Rita Ramirez started her teaching career as an assistant to the director
of South Phoenix Montessori in 1976 and became the director in 1981. That
same year, the school was renamed REED MONTESSORI, which is now located at
909 N. First St; Reed educates through the kindergarten grade level and
currently has 34 children enrolled ranging from ages 2 to 6. Dr. Maria
Montessori, founder and creator of the Montessori methods opened the first
Montessori school in Rome in 1907. Reed follows and stresses Montessori's
educational ideas of independence, discipline and freedom while placing
the child in a prepared learning environment under the guidance of a
trained director. Montessori stressed that the leaders of the classroom be
called directors rather than teachers because the main objective was to
direct the children's interest and advance their development. Alex
Martinez, 16 also a kindergarten graduate of the school, explained her
experience while at Reed. "I started when I was three years old and I feel
that I got my start in reading and writing and the basis of my education
there." said the sophomore at Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix.
Martinez also said she believes a child can benefit more from going to a
Montessori school versus regular childcare. "Montessori is so much more
open-minded," she added. "They let you explore and find your own way while
helping you along the way, whereas normal childcare has your day already
planned out for you." Mrs. Ramirez beleived in the Montessori method so
much, her own sons Viva, 27 and Javier Ramirez, 26, also graduated from
the school, then South Phoenix Montessori. Mrs. Ramirez said, "Montessori
teaches the child how to become a person and to serve the community by
encouraging independence, inner-discipline and respect for all things."
Ralph Velez, also a former graduate now sends his own 4-year old son
Brandon to the school, said he chose Reed for a special reason. "I got a
head start and that's what I'm hoping for my son," He said, "Everyday was
a new experience. Reed Montessori teaches teaches things kids need to
know, but also teaches them how to be better people." After dedicating
years to teaching and to the children of Reed Montessori School. Mrs.
Ramirez says one thing has, and continues to stay the same. "Out of the
many memories created every year, it's the growth and the love that the
children show that stays with me."
February 1, 1999
It gives me great pleasure to write a letter of reference for Mrs. Rita Ramirez, Director of Reed Montessori School. My daughters, now ages 5 and 6, have been attending Reed Montessori since 1996. I have been very pleased with their progress under the tutelage of Mrs. Ramirez and her staff.
As a Ph.D. student in developmental psychology at Arizona State University, I am very impressed with Rita's knowledge and understanding of children and their development. She has over twenty years experience in working with young children and it shows by the way she interacts with them. She has a calm and gentle way of encouraging them to learn and to behave. I often ask her for advice about my own children.
She is not only compassionate towards the children, but to their parents as well. I don't think she has missed a day since my children started at the school and has little turnover in her staff. This stability is so important for young children. I highly recommend Rita as a fine Director and a positive influence for young Children.