Patricia Sandler | Mission Montessori Academy

Patricia Sandler

Upper Elementary Curriculum Director, Director of Global Studies

Ms Sandler earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois; and has Montessori Certification, 6-9 & 9-12, from the College of St Catherine, Minneapolis, MN/Houston Montessori Center.

She has taught for the Chicago Public Schools, Hopkins MN Schools and the Minneapolis Special School District #1 where she began the first Continuous Progress Primary, the precursor to the public Montessori alternative school in Minneapolis. She has taught grades 1-8 and prior to being a Montessori educator specialized in English Language Arts and Social Studies and for two years was the Music Director for 7th/8th grade.

At the College of St Catherine, she was an adjunct associate in the Center for Contemporary Montessori Programs and was responsible for Geography and History in the E1 and E2 training courses. Additionally, she taught Culture in the Montessori E1 training course in Portsmouth, Virginia for the Portsmouth Public Schools.

In the mid 90’s, Ms Sandler developed the concept and created the content for a Montessori educational software series. In 2003, Ms Sandler moved to Arizona, and discovered Mission Montessori Academy where she was a lead teacher in the upper elementary program and where she began the Montessori Model United Nations program. She is currently the Director of Global Studies for Mission Montessori Academy.

Favorite Book: My favorite book is usually the one I am currently reading but I do love Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham and any book written by Pat Conroy, the master of eloquent language.

Favorite Food: Asian and other ethnic food.

Who Inspires Me: Children and those selfless individuals who quietly make the world a better place.

Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption and A Few Good Men

Favorite Hobby: Taking care of my family.

Favorite Quote: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better” by Maya Angelou

Why Do I Teach Montessori: I love Montessori because it teaches to the soul as well as the intellect. It speaks to me.

The kids are so much like caterpillars getting ready for their biggest journey. It’s all about transformation and the will of perseverance.

When I worked with the kids there that’s what I saw most. The transformation of young children into strong and passionate learners who would persevere through tough lessons about academics as well as everyday life no matter how hard it might seem. The metamorphosis that I got to witness there will stay with me forever. Mission kids are amazing people!!

I just loved my time as a Mission employee. I’ve worked in other schools before but the children at Mission Montessori were like no others I’ve ever worked with. They were all just such amazing little people.

Moria Montoya

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for providing such a great trip this week!

Lauren can’t say enough good things about the trip and all the experiences, being with her friends, how nice her chaperone was, making decisions about what she was going to eat, how she was going to spend her money. And all the things they did on the trip with seeing the moon, looking at the petroglyphs, doing a dig, learning about the Grand Canyon, and all the things that she enjoyed.

So I wanted to say thank you for providing such a great experience for them in so many aspects of learning.

You and your team did a great job!

We are looking forward to next year!

Jill Manzi

It was important for us to find infant care that fostered all aspect of our daughter’s development. Mission Montessori is providing her a foundation to thrive, shows her respect and respect for others, and is an integral part of our family’s functioning and well-being. Our daughter has become a very social, confident and curious child and has amazing opportunities in the years ahead with Mission Montessori.

Schroeder Family

My daughters have been with this school since they were each 2 years old and we love it. It teaches them more than just academics, it teaches them to be independent and well rounded. The teachers are amazing and it’s easy to see that they truly care about the well being and education of every child. My girls are excelling in so many ways and I am truly fortunate that we found this school for them.

Eric Wright

The Middle School program at Mission Montessori strikes the perfect balance of academic rigor and compassion. The 7th and 8th grade students are encouraged to grow and learn in an environment where the staff are highly trained in adolescent development. With a combined class size of under 35, the students begin their day in a “Community Meeting” where the students are empowered to address each other with both compliments and concerns.

Molly McDonald