Asset-Based Education helps educators highlight strengths students bring to the classroom and see differences as assets, not deficits.
“I loved everything about this course—the variety of learning methods, discussion, readings, video …
I am hoping we can use it with staff as we open the school year.”
It’s easy, even natural, to see a difference from our expectations in ability, interest, behavior, or background as a defect: something wrong, broken, or needing to be fixed. We’re used to what we’re used to, and we may not have examined our preconceptions and biases all that thoroughly.
An asset-based lens encourages us to see each child as an individual with unique characteristics and strengths, and Montessori is a good foundation. Understanding and intentionality built on this foundation help teachers welcome and support all children.
Participants in this course will:
- Examine their pedagogical practices, replacing deficit-based lenses with asset-based habits
- Examine intersections of social and cultural identity
- Interrogate systems of power and privilege
- Elevate and center the stories of marginalized/invisible groups
- Learn techniques to help students reclaim language and culture
- Establish and sustain equitable pathways such as opportunity, access, and inclusion
Format
- ten hours of readings, videos, and written reflections
- five 60-minute live sessions
- Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 pm ET
Calendar
| Date | Topic |
|---|---|
| July 7 | Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist Education |
| July 9 | Unpacking Deficit Perspectives |
| July 14 | Combating Deficit-Based Perspectives with Asset-Based Perspectives |
| July 16 | Disability Justice |
| July 23 | Resistance and Counternarratives through Intersectionality |
Attendance and certificates: Certificates of attendance are available for participants who attend 80% or more of live sessions. Participants who successfully complete the course are eligible to request Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from Lander University for an additional fee of $25.
Live session recordings: When available, recordings of live sessions are accessible to participants for six months after the date of the session.
Financial aid: Financial support for professional learning courses is sometimes available. Priority is given to NCMPS individual members serving in public schools. Apply for financial aid using this form.
Paying by check: We accept payment via most credit cards. To request to pay by check, use this form. You will not be registered until your check has been received. We confirm payment and registration via email. Questions about payment? Contact payments@public-montessori.org.
Photos and video: NCMPS may take photos or record video during this course. By participating in this event, you consent to your likeness being used for promotional purposes without compensation, and you release NCMPS from any liability related to this use. If you do not want your likeness used in this way, you may inform the course staff, and NCMPS will make its best effort to prevent such use.
Can’t make this course? Bring this course to you! Please email pd@public-montessori.org for information about hosting this course as a face-to-face or virtual workshop at your school.
About the Instructor
Dr. Jasmine Williams is a dedicated educator, researcher, and leader in the Montessori community, with a focus on advancing equity and justice. Her work centers on the intersection of Montessori education, racial equity, and social justice. As a member of the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS) team, Dr. Williams has facilitated webinars, developed professional learning courses, and conducted research to support Montessori educators in cultivating inclusive and equitable learning environments.
Dr. Williams serves on the boards of the Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative (METTC), Breakthrough Montessori, and the Keres Children’s Learning Center. She holds a doctoral degree in Education for Social Justice from the University of San Diego and a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Education Entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania.
A seasoned traveler who has explored 49 countries, Dr. Williams brings a nuanced understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives to her work. With her unique blend of experience, expertise, and passion for education, Dr. Williams is committed to advancing the Montessori method and supporting educators in their pursuit of equity, justice, and excellence.
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