Spotlight on Accreditation Commissioner: Tanya Ryskind

Lorna McGrath recently interviewed Tanya Ryskind, J.D., a long-time IMC school accreditation commissioner and Co-Head of NewGate School in Sarasota, FL and here is what she had to say.

SPOTLIGHT ON COMMISSIONERS Tanya Ryskind, J.D.

LRM - When and what brought you to Montessori?

TR - “Timing is everything” would be the bumper sticker for what brought me to Montessori. It was a “perfect storm” of circumstances and my openness for a change in my career path. My biological children started their Montessori experience in the Infant/Toddler community. The school needed a substitute teacher for the upper elementary program. Tim Seldin came to our school as a consultant and asked me “if I ever thought of becoming a Montessori teacher?” My answer was no, but here it is 25 years later and I haven’t looked back.

LRM - Why did you make Montessori your career?

TR - Montessori chose me. Those who have been part of my journey have watched me question if I could be the kind of Montessori guide Maria Montessori talked about, calm, peaceful, humble, living with the goal that the “child must grow while I diminish.”

For me, it has been the children who hold my attention. The children called to me. As a Montessori teacher trainer and consultant specializing in mentoring and coaching teachers, it was the transformational work of the adults that held my interest and attention. Being a Montessori education professional connects me to a worldwide community focused on living the legacy of Maria Montessori to establish lasting world peace.

LRM - What are some of the opportunities that you would highlight from your Montessori journey?

TR - I started my teaching experience at a private Montessori school, spent six years at a Montessori charter school, worked at a language immersion Montessori school in Chicago, and have worked as a consultant with the public, charter, private, and international schools. I was an instructor, practicum adviser, field consultant, and Associate Director of the Elementary teacher training program with the Center for Guided Studies, CGMS. I have been on the MACTE Board for three years and look forward to a second term. I was also a teacher trainer for Polski Instytut Montessori in Warsaw, Poland. I have presented workshops at IMC, AMS, and IMC/Poland conferences. I have had the opportunity to work in Bermuda, St. Croix, Trinidad and Tobago, Poland, Mexico, and throughout the United States.

TR - I sit on the SAC board and the CGMS Teacher Education Committee.

TR - I have published articles in Montessori Leadership and Tomorrow’s Child.

TR - I believe that upholding the mission, vision, and core values of the IMC and the School

Accreditation Commission is my primary responsibility as a commissioner.

LRM - Why does being on the school accreditation commission matter to you?

TR - I have been on the accreditation commission since its inception. I helped edit the

“big book.”

TR - I was first introduced to “accreditation” in 1991 when I worked at a Carnegie I

Doctoral University. I attended conferences on the merits of accreditation, and I went through an accreditation process. I learned that accreditation was one of the best ways to ensure integrity, consistency, and competency. In the years working with accrediting bodies, I found that it adds value to the organization seeking accreditation by giving it an opportunity to do a deep dive into itself, its practices, policies, and systems. Are we doing what we say we are doing? Most importantly, it invites all stakeholders to the table to share insights and give feedback. Verifying the truth and veracity of programs empowers schools and programs to be their best with confidence. LRM - What is the IMC to you? TR - The IMC is my community. It has introduced me to people and resources. It has opened doors throughout my career, supporting my interests in child development, accreditation, teacher education, school development, and leadership cultivation.

Thanks, Tanya for your candor in sharing your experiences with all of us.