About
Greenspring Center for Lifelong Learning
Deeply rooted in Montessori practices, the Greenspring Center for Lifelong Learning was created to serve all types of educational institutions and organizations. Our initiatives focus on creating educational opportunities to elevate and support the critical work of educators, leaders, and schools. Watch our trailer to learn more about what we are working on.
Our Mission
Elevating and supporting the critical work of teachers, leaders, and schools.
We are facing a crisis in our educational system.
There are not enough educators and administrators to meet the growing needs of our children and families. This puts an incredible strain on those who are rising to the challenge and leaves our children without the support they need.
And while there are strong training centers out there preparing teachers to take their first steps into the world of education, once they are through training, support can be minimal. Many new educators leave the profession before becoming seasoned professionals.
Every challenge, even one of this magnitude, can be overcome when a community of lifelong learners comes together to share successful structures and strategies.
Grounded in more than 60 years of experience at Greenspring Montessori School and with a rich network of leaders in the field, we have created the Greenspring Center for Lifelong Learning.
Our initiatives focus on creating educational opportunities to elevate and support the vital work of educators, leaders, and schools. Peruse our website to learn more about this project.
The Facts
The statistics are staggering. With over 20,000 Montessori schools in the world, there is such a need for caring educators with a growth mindset. Yet, every year, more educators leave the field of teaching.
More than half a million educators leave the field every year
%
of teachers quit in their first five years
There are more than 20,000 Montessori schools in the world that need exceptional educators
Sources: 1) Governing , 2) Zippia, 3) The Montessori Children's Academy
Meeting the Need
Our Initiatives
We are creating a toolbox of resources to support educators and school leaders. Join us in this important work!
Voices in Montessori Podcast
Our Voices in Montessori podcast shares vibrant and engaging conversations with seasoned Montessori educators and leaders, as well as other experts, to inspire and support our growing community of educators. Browse episodes on our website, find us wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube!
Mentoring Communities
When you are just starting out, you need ongoing, high-quality support. We facilitate year-long, weekly virtual coaching communities for new school leaders and Montessori Guides that provide high-quality education and practical help in real time. We are now accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year!
Professional Development
At GCLL, we are reinventing professional development to meet your goals. Our trained presenters will work with you to tailor unique professional growth opportunities to meet your community exactly where they are. With in person and Zoom options available, we are flexible to the budget and needs of small and large organizations.
Dr. Maria Montessori said
an education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking.
We agree and we’re here to help.
Our Team
Tamara Sheesley Balis
Executive Director
Masters in Education
Primary & Elementary trained
25 years in Montessori
18 years as a school leader
Margaret Jarrell
Director
Masters in Education
Elementary trained
25 years in Montessori
Kimberly Zerfas
Creative Director
Non-Profit Marketing
Graphic Designer
Photographer
Cassi Mackey
Leadership Mentor
Masters in Education
AMI Leadership credential
30 years in Montessori
15 years as a school leader
Uniit Carruyo
Infant/Toddler Mentor
AMS Infant/Toddler credential
AMS Teacher Trainer
Consultant and Author
Bilingual Montessorian
Veronica Burbano
Primary Mentor
AMI Primary credential
AMI Teacher Trainer
Montessori Consultant
Bilingual Montessorian
Biff Maier
Elementary Mentor
AMI & AMS Elementary credentials
AMS Teacher Trainer
AMS Living Legacy
Amy Fagan
Adolescent Mentor
AMI Adolescent credential
Adolescent Program Director
International Montessori Consultant
Partner Organizations
American Montessori Society
Partner
Trillium Montessori
Partner
University of Wisconsin
Research Partner
We invite you to join our growing community of educators and leaders! Subscribe to our newsletter and join us on social media to keep up to date on our latest releases.