Ambassador Enterprises has provided a generous $25,000 grant to Trine University to
                                 equip a new Montessori Teacher Education Program classroom. Ambassador Enterprises
                                 believes this is an important investment to help prepare teachers to positively impact
                                 early education in Indiana.
                              
                              The new classroom, located in Shambaugh Hall on Trine’s main campus, will include
                                 maple, open-shelving for materials, audiovisual equipment, a large markerboard, and
                                 tables and chairs for adult learners. The classroom will also contain a complete set
                                 of early childhood Montessori materials to include hands-on activities for subject
                                 areas, cultural curriculum, arts, sensorial exploration, and practical life activities.
                              
                              “We are grateful for this generous support from Ambassador Enterprises and look forward
                                 to the positive impact this funding will have on future generations of educators and
                                 students,” said Anthony Kline, Ph.D., Dean of Trine University’s Franks School of
                                 Education. “Our excitement for this new chapter of teacher education at Trine continues
                                 to grow with the support of many community partners. We are developing a first-class
                                 program to meet the growing need for Montessori educators.”
                              
                              “This generous grant will make it possible for prospective new teachers to be fully
                                 immersed in a model Montessori classroom during their training,” said Laurie Stockton-Moreno,
                                 Director of Montessori teacher education at Trine. “They will be able to perfect their
                                 skills with Montessori hands-on materials and learn how to prepare a Montessori classroom
                                 environment for children. Having access to this kind of learning lab will make all
                                 the difference in the world to these prospective teachers, and will facilitate seamless
                                 transition into the workforce.”
                              
                              “We know that teachers and the environment play an important role in fostering the
                                 development and thinking in young children. Ambassador Enterprises is pleased to partner
                                 with Trine University in supporting education and investment in our young Hoosiers.
                                 We are confident this initiative will positively impact our community,” said Karyn
                                 Tomkinson, Ed.D., program director at Ambassador Enterprises.
                              
                              In recognition of the grant, the room will be named for Ambassador Enterprises and
                                 contain a displayed plaque honoring the organization.
                              
                              Earlier this year, Trine University announced it would launch Indiana’s first Montessori
                                 teacher education degree program. The Center for Montessori Education at Trine University
                                 will provide training that leads toward state-recognized Montessori licensure for
                                 both undergraduate students and teachers already practicing in the field of education.
                              
                              Ambassador Enterprises is a legacy-minded, private equity firm engaging with leaders
                                 and organizations committed to performance that creates lasting, positive impact on
                                 people and communities.
                              
                              Photo: A student works at Oak Farm Montessori School in Avilla. A $25,000 grant from Ambassador
                                 Enterprises will equip a new classroom on the Trine University campus to serve the
                                 university’s new Montessori Teacher Education Program. 
                              Last Updated: 11/05/2020