On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, Dr. Robert Gene Pickering passed away at the age of 91. Throughout his career, Bob held numerous leadership positions in schools and school systems, including as headmaster, principal, superintendent, and superintendent director. He served as the AMS board president from 1972 – 1974 and is remembered for his friendly, outgoing personality and the support and care he showed his loved ones and his students.

Early Years

Bob, as he was known by friends, family, and colleagues, was born and raised in Lima, OH. Throughout his childhood and early adolescence, he showed exceptional leadership skills, becoming president of his high school’s student council and being a member of the football team. He received a bachelor’s degree in counseling and administration from Ohio Northern University, and earned master’s degrees, post masters, and post doctoral work from Miami of Ohio, University of Michigan, Harvard, Virginia Polytechnic University, and the University of South Africa. In 1978, he received a doctorate in psychology from Pontificia Universidade Catolica de Sao Paulo in Brazil.

During the Korean War, Bob served his nation in Army Intelligence and held a top security clearance. In later years, he became a Mason and a Shriner and was recognized as a 70-year Scottish Rite and York Rite Shriner.

Education Career

Bob began his teaching career in Ohio before becoming principal and then supervising principal in Sarasota, FL. Later, he served ten years as the superintendent of the Reading School District back in Cincinnati, OH. In 1967, he opened the first Montessori program in a public school in the United States. And a year later, while at Reading, he helped set up programs for students with dyslexia.

Bob left Reading to take on a role as superintendent of the American School in Sao Paulo, Brazil where he brought another Montessori program training to the school. He also instituted the same program for students with dyslexia that he had at Reading. His involvement in Montessori grew when, from 1972 – 1974 he served as president of the AMS Board of Directors. He would be an active board member for a total of 7 years. He was also chair of the AMS Finance Committee.

While at the American School, Bob was elected president of the Association of American Schools in South America and traveled throughout the continent. He was recognized with the South America Educational Leadership Citation from the Association and received the Brazilian Marechal Trompowsky National Award of Merit for leadership in culture and education.

From 1990 – 2014, Bob worked at Shelton School and Evaluation Center as treasurer and director of finance. In his time there, he negotiated the purchase of the Shelton Midway and Hillcrest campuses.

A Lifetime’s Achievement

The American Montessori Society bestowed a Lifetime Achievement Award on Bob in 2016. In addition, he has also received the following accolades from other organizations: The National Brazilian Award of Merit, Medalha Marechal Trompowsky; the Leadership in Education and Culture Distinguished Leadership Award, Southwestern Ohio Education; a Peace Medal from the Consulate General of Israel in Sao Paulo, Brazil; and an Award of Merit from the Association of American Schools in Brazil.

Among his many achievements is his 47-year marriage to his wife, Joyce Pickering, and their 7 children, 13 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Bob truly was an innovative educational leader and an inspired Montessorian. Donations in Bob's honor may be made to the American Montessori Society.

About the Author

Elizabeth Buechele (she/her) is the communication and development manager at the American Montessori Society. She is passionate about equitable education, youth leadership, and storytelling. Contact her at liz@amshq.org.

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The opinions expressed in Montessori Life are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of AMS.