AI for Teachers: An Introduction

I remember the anxiety about filling seats very well, as though it were yesterday. Back in the 90s, my head of school, Dr. Elliston Rahming, had hired me to be the Deputy Director of a new private school he was starting from scratch in The Bahamas. And I do mean from scratch! The budget for our first year had to come entirely from tuition income. Period. Moreover, I was charged with ensuring the seats were filled when we opened for business in September 1995. Now, remember that back in the 90s, the Internet was in its infancy. There was no social media to trumpet the opening of our new school. We only had the local press and word of mouth.

Against that backdrop, let me pose some scenarios to heads of boarding schools, owners of boarding schools, and anybody interested in filling seats at their school.

1. My school's enrollment is declining. I can't afford to hire a marketing professional. What should I do?

Saying that you can't afford a marketing professional is like saying you can't afford insurance. It's a must-have. I understand that you are thinking that marketing is a major expense. Don't think of it that way. Think of marketing as a profit center. When the marketing professional does her job, you will see results. If your budget is really tight, I suggest that you interview a recent college marketing graduate. Your giving her a job where she can prove how good

Your baby is not even a year old, but already you're thinking about preschool. Should you send her to preschool or wait until kindergarten? Will she be OK in your local public school, or would the private preschool your friends and family keep mentioning be a better option? I've been there. Done that. Both of my daughters attended private preschools, mainly because back in the 70s, there was no public preschool option, at least that I can remember. Furthermore, I was blessed with a supportive mother-in-law who paid for her granddaughters' preschool. So, with that in mind, here are my suggestions to help you choose preschools that suit your needs and requirements best.

Which Early Education Approach?

Choosing the right early childhood education approach for your child is a significant decision that can shape her developmental journey. With various fine educational philosophies available, parents often face a confusing array of options. This article aims to demystify three popular early childhood education approaches: Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia. By understanding the core principles, benefits, and potential challenges of each, you can make an informed decision tailored to your child's unique needs.

The Montessori Method: Fostering Independence and Self-Discipline

The Montessori method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) in the early 20th century, emphasizes independence, self-discipline, and hands-on learning. In a Montessori classroom, children are encouraged to explore and learn at their own pace, guided by specially designed materials that promote sensory-based learning.

Key Principles and Practices

Child-Centered Learning

What's involved in choosing a private school for your child? Which school is the best one? Can I get financial aid? How do I apply? I've got some answers for you. And they're based on my experience as a parent. My daughters attended private elementary schools, and those were great experiences. So, when it came to choosing a private high school, I thought I knew everything. Was I ever wrong! That's why I wrote this article. I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did. So, here is my 10-step guide to choosing a private school. When you want to drill down for more detailed answers, click the links I have included with each step.

1. Identify Your Child's Needs and Family Requirements

When choosing a private school, the first focus must be understanding your child’s unique needs and your family’s requirements. Begin by assessing your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses to pinpoint what educational environment best supports their learning style. Consider your family’s values and educational philosophy, as these will guide you in selecting a school that aligns with your principles.

Next, determine whether you are looking for a day or boarding school, which can significantly affect your child’s development and family dynamics. Additionally, evaluate the need for special programs, such as those for gifted students or students with learning differences, to ensure the school can provide the necessary support.

Finally, define your budget and explore

As a Young Person

I remember being intimidated by the private schools in my hometown of Montreal. I only became aware that there was such a thing as a private school in fifth or sixth grade when a couple of my classmates took the entrance examinations at Lower Canada College and Selwyn House School. I don't recall much discussion at home about the schools except that the academic work was hard and that my parents couldn't afford to send me to a private school. Then, in high school, we got a couple of new classmates who had previously attended a boarding school in the Eastern Townships. These lads struck me as snobbish, arrogant, rich, undisciplined, and not serious about learning. So, I understood why they had been asked not to return after a year at their school. That was the first time I knew private schools strive to be genuine learning institutions.

As a Parent

I had a different impression of private schools when we began thinking about preschools and elementary schools for our daughters. My late wife had attended private schools in Manhattan, so sending our kids to private schools made sense. Both girls attended preschools operated by the churches we attended. My eldest daughter then attended the local Waldorf school for the elementary grades. Again, we had positive experiences at all three of these schools. A few years later, we moved to Litchfield County, Connecticut. It's beautiful country, but not many people live there.