May 4, 2022—Susie and David Shelton-Dodge have been on the forefront of the Montessori Movement since the 1970s, supporting countless students, teacher educators, and other community members with generosity, grace, and determination to continue the provision of equitable, authentic Montessori practice. Currently, Susie is the director emeriti and Early Childhood practicum coordinator, and David is the Infant/Toddler practicum director and conference coordinator at Hope Montessori Educational Institute in St. Louis, MO.
First Exposure to Montessori Education
David and Susie Shelton-Dodge were first introduced to Montessori education in the 1970s while living in Oklahoma. David came to Montessori from his early work with VISTA—Volunteers in Service to America, a government organization that placed volunteers in the United States with local organizations to combat poverty. He worked in a predominantly African-American neighborhood as a community organizer—supporting the neighborhood as they established an after school tutoring program and athletic programs, and working with the parents for equity in their schools. Around that same time, Susie entered the Montessori teacher education program at Oklahoma City University and, under Peggy Loeffler’s direction, went on to complete her master’s degree and was the director of the mobile Montessori fleet called the “Rainbow Fleet”.
Soon, the couple found themselves in St. Louis where they embarked on a new journey—David to work on his doctorate in the sociology of education at Washington University and Susie to teach at Hope Montessori Academy. Later, they would take on a new challenge: starting the Hope Montessori Infant-Toddler Community.
Hope Montessori Infant/Toddler Community
Susie and David were motivated to build community in a way that was deeply honoring of all children and all teachers. Through their leadership, they cultivated a community that drew a diverse and international cohort of families and educators. David would work as a classroom guide for 26 years and was head of the Infant/Toddler community, a role he has held for 36 years. Susie started a new school—Hope Montessori Wildwood and later took over Hope’s flagship primary program—Hope Montessori Creve Coeur.
Both brought their unique skills and passions into this work. David, a dedicated mentor, led by example as a classroom teacher as the community was growing. He was committed to inclusion and believed in pushing his team to step outside of their comfort zone—whether that meant preparing a conference proposal or applying for graduate school. Susie was dedicated to constant growth and evolution, setting high standards and believing in the promise of what the future might hold.
Using Their Voices
Beyond their impressive resumes, the Shelton-Dodges bring a little something extra to every interaction. While their devotion to Montessori education is evident and while their love of AMS is always on full display, they also deeply believe in the community both these things provide.
This includes giving voice to traditionally marginalized groups. Susie has been an active participant in peace and social justice efforts within Montessori, serving on the board of an anti-bias, antiracist (ABAR) focused Montessori school. In the Teacher Education Action Commission (TEAC), Susie co-chairs the ABAR work group. Both Susie and David serve as teacher education program verifiers to this day.
Most recently, Susie has worked with Hope Montessori Educational Institute (HMEI) graduate, Sydney Seidel, to regionally and nationally present a year-long project entitled, Cultivating Inner Peace in a Montessori Classroom. David has presented nationally for HMEI, and recently with Cristina Sova and Candace Jackson (pictured right) with a presentation, The Pedagogy of Love in the Infant-Toddler Community.
In Service to AMS
The announcement of this award is a beautiful full circle moment that came to light. Susie first conceived the idea of a “Living Legacy” back in 1992 when she was vice president of the AMS Board of Directors. The board selected Carolina Gomez del Valle (in 1993) as the first honoree. Since then, and as of July 2021, $796,675 has been raised through this fund to support 388 aspiring Montessori teachers through scholarships to AMS teacher education programs.
The Shelton-Dodges have been adamant supporters of AMS (and the greater Montessori Movement) for over 50 years. Susie was first elected to the AMS Board of Directors in 1989, served as the vice president for professional development 1990 – 1995, and eventually became board president 1995 –1997.
Beyond governance, the Shelton-Dodges both were active participants in all forms of continuing education, serving as lecturers and presenters locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. (Susie has presented keynotes in China and South Korea and hosted seminars with David in Taiwan.) Susie contributed to the AMS In Focus: Infant & Toddler Seminar. Most recently both David and Susie gave presentations for the AMS China In Focus: Infant & Toddler Seminar.
Last Lessons from a Loaf of Bread
Perhaps no story better illustrates the consistent, authentic, genuine commitment to community than one that starts with a sprinkle of yeast and sticky dough. Every Tuesday for 35 years, David would arrive at school early in the morning and begin making bread. This would give the bread time to rise so that later, when the toddlers arrived, they could help shape the loaves, brush them with egg, sprinkle them with seeds, and place them in the oven. The bread is delicious and fills the halls with the smell of a fresh baked treat. But it is far more than the steady routine and promise of warm bread.
David would send a loaf home with children who chose to participate that day. The bread would be present at school gatherings, field trips, picnics, and parent nights. It came to symbolize so much more than the start of a sandwich or toast. It came to represent a family, a connection, a home.
For decades the Shelton-Dodges have created a home in Montessori and it is an honor to recognize them as the 2023 AMS Living Legacies.