Our Guest: Tamara Balis
Show Notes
Tamara S. Balis shares her leadership journey and lessons learned. She delves specifically into communication strategies that build a culture of belonging among school staff. The keys? Assuming best intentions, individuation, directness and clarity, active listening, and modeling vulnerability. In other words, we build a culture of belonging for our staff by mirroring the structure of the Montessori classroom!
About our Guest
Tamara Sheesely Balis
Executive Director, Greenspring Center for Lifelong Learning & Head of School, Greenspring Montessori School
With an extensive background in Montessori education, school administration, and childhood development, Tamara’s life work is to support and cultivate cultures of belonging in families, schools and organizational communities. With 24 years as a Montessorian, she has served as the Head of School at Greenspring Montessori School in Baltimore, Maryland since 2012.
Tamara’s passion for cultures of belonging led her to Montessori education and the study of leadership practices, effective communication, and positive psychology. She is currently studying for her MEd in Integrative Learning with an emphasis in Montessori School Leadership at The Institute for Educational Studies (TIES) through Lasell University. She has presented at national Montessori conferences and is a Montessori classroom consultant. She has been a contributing author for Washington Families Magazine, publishing articles on Montessori education, child development, and parenting. She also wrote, narrated, and produced an educational video on using Montessori principles for the care of infants in the home.
Tamara lives with her family and is the proud parent of two Montessori children.
Workshop Presenter
Building a Staff Culture of Belonging in Your School Community
Three consecutive days: April 24, April 25 & April 26, 2024
From 12:30-3:00pm EST – Virtual via Zoom
Interested in learning more about this topic? Tamara will be offering a virtual workshop series on this topic in April. Click below to learn more or register.
Resources
Websites:
The Culture Code Blog and Tools
Books:
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown
The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle
The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation by Stephen W. Porges
Voices in Montessori Podcast
Igniting vibrant and engaging conversations in the Montessori movement to inspire, elevate, and support educators, leaders, and schools.
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