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Staff Profile: Introducing Tim

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Learn a little about our new Brighton Head of Campus, Tim Dewar, who loves spending time in nature and with his family, and is a dedicated Montessori educator.

Full Name: Tim Dewar

New Position: Head of Campus Brighton

Previous Position: Cycle 4 and 5 Coordinator

How long have you been at MMS? Five years

Where were you beforehand? Cockatoo Primary School

What do you love about working at MMS?

I love the fact that students are naturally encouraged to explore their passions and ideas. They are given time to develop their personal skills and are introduced to new concepts when they are ready for them.

What inspires you as a Montessori educator?

I am inspired by all the staff that I work with. They are as much a part of the school environment as the materials on the shelves. They bring joy, passion and a sense of adventure to lessons, and they are all striving to build an environment that supports and sustains our community of learners. You can see it in the extra things they do to engage our students and provide extra opportunities for them.

What is your most memorable teaching moment?

Many moments jump out at me, however, unique to Montessori is the teaching of Practical Skills.    Specifically, my most memorable moment has been teaching students to literally build a wall in a classroom.

What was your most memorable moment as a student?

One key lesson in a Geography class was for everyone to jump off their tables at the same time to simulate an earthquake ripple. We managed to make such a noise that we distracted the teachers who were in the staffroom next to the classroom!

What are five interesting things about you that we may not know?

  1. I have had three heart operations.
  2. I love to rock climb when I get a chance.
  3. I am still scared of snakes.
  4. I have been bitten by a lion and a tiger…cubs.
  5. Although I have been to some very beautiful places, my favourite place to be is home in the bush.

What does your weekend look like?        

I have fairly full weekends. I get up at about 8.00 am and let the chooks out and then clean up the kitchen. We then get ready to take our daughters to work and to netball. Often there is an activity to do, like building a shed or wood splitting. When I get a chance I work on projects at home, like fixing a mower.

Sundays I am up at about the same time and I either run a church service or mix the sound for the service. I then take another daughter to work and try and get a little time to rest.

What is your favourite Maria Montessori quote and why?

“The essence of independence is to be able to do something for one’s self.”

This quote helps me remember that it’s my job to help students be capable of creating their world without me so, as much as I can, I need to offer the tools and then let them lead.

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