Faculty Development with Annual Fund Support

Latin teacher Varvara Troitski joined Spanish teacher Maria Silveyra in Chicago to study under the director of the Polis Institute in Jerusalem, while Madeleine Lecher continues her pursuit of a master's in French Pedagogy at Middlebury College, further developing her language teaching skills. Upper School Director Barbara Whitlock was sponsored by The Center for Thomas More Studies at the University of Dallas for a second seminar-style colloquium of school leaders focused on the study of core works by More.

Scholars from the Polis Institute run a workshop at Northridge Preparatory School, teaching the Polis Method of immersive language acquisition. This method equips teachers with best practices and resources to interact exclusively in the target language.

Ms. Troitski shared, "Meeting with our sister and brother schools across the nation and discussing how to incorporate the Polis Method into our classrooms was invaluable."

At Middlebury College, Madeleine Lecher is fully immersed in the French language to enhance her skills and further develop her teaching abilities. Last summer, she began studying advanced French phonetics, stylistics, and historical analysis. This summer, she aims to explore the history of phonetics, current French culture, and the science of language learning.

"This master's program has been an incredible opportunity to reignite my passion for teaching the French language and to network with other French teachers seeking excellence in their profession. I have already been able to integrate what I've learned into my teaching, and I'm excited to see how my degree will shape my teaching in the years ahead," said Ms. Lecher.

At the University of Dallas, Mrs. Whitlock joined other academic leaders in the study of Thomas More’s works The Sadness of Christ and Dialogue of Comfort against Tribulation. She has developed a curriculum on More's innovative approach to the education of his daughters, which Montrose 10th graders will study when they read the play A Man for All Seasons by Robert Bolt. She has also been asked to serve on the advisory panel for future groups of teachers to continue these studies over the next decade as we approach the 500th anniversary of St. Thomas More's martyrdom.

Mrs. Whitlock remarked, “I remain convinced that St. Thomas More is the saint for our age. He lived in divisive times and maintained the integrity of his convictions at dire costs while practicing civic friendship and maintaining a vibrant sense of humor among all.”

These professional development opportunities were made possible thanks to gifts to the Annual Fund by current families, alumnae, parents of alumnae, grandparents, and friends of Montrose. We extend our gratitude to all who have made the Annual Fund a philanthropic priority this year. Thanks to this support, we continue to invest in our outstanding faculty.