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