Administration

"Everyone can do small things with great love to make the world a better place. I choose to do that by being a Montessorian."

Education

Barry University, Master of Science Degree 1995, Major in Elementary Montessori Education, American Montessori Society Lower Elementary & Upper Elementary Credentials

Nova Southeastern University, Masters of Science Degree 1994, Major Elementary Education with certification in Educational Leadership

University of Miami, Bachelor of Science Degree 1988, double major Psychology and Communications

Montessori Teacher Training Institute 1997, American Montessori Society Early Childhood Credential

State of Florida Director's Credential, 2004, 2014

Miami Dade County Public Schools Leadership Program

Professional Experience

Co-Founded Coconut Grove Montessori School, 1998 to Present

Montessori Teacher Training Institute, Field Consultant, 2009 to Present

Miami Dade County Public Schools Montessori Magnet Program Teacher and Grade Level Department Chairperson 1992-1997

Miami Dade County Public Schools Elementary Teacher 1989-1992

Organizations and Professional Development

Phi Delta Kappa Honor Society, Member of International Honor Society

Member of the American Montessori Society, Head of School

Presenter: Montessori Early Childhood In-Service Training at CGMS to Staff

Presenter: Montessori Early Childhood Workshop at CGMS for Parent Body

 Published: Montessori Life, Spring 2022, "Five Questions for Maria Arencibia" A conversation about Montessori education and a bilingual approach to Montessori environments. (pp 14-15)

https://amshq.org/Educators/Membership/Montessori-Life-Magazine/Issues/2022-Spring-Montessori-Life

Hobbies

Travel, cooking, fitness walking, reading, exploring new Montessori ideas, and enjoying children's passion for baseball and dance.

 Offering 26 years of Experience and Achievement in Developing Productive Montessori Environments where Student Learning Experiences are Maximized

Education

State of Florida Director’s Credential, 2004

Barry University, Master of Science Degree 1998, Certification in Elementary Montessori Education

Nova University, Master of Science Degree 1996, Major Elementary Education 

Montessori Teacher Training Institute, 1995, American Montessori Society Early Childhood Credential

St. Thomas University, Early Childhood Certification 1994

University of Miami, Bachelor of Arts Degree 1990, Major in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology

Professional Experience

Co-Founded Coconut Grove Montessori School 1998 to Present

Miami Dade County Public Schools Early Childhood Montessori Teacher 1994 – 1998

Miami Dade County Public Schools Elementary Teacher 1992 -1994

Miami Dade County Public Schools Spanish & ESOL Teacher 1991-1992

Professional Organizations

Member of the American Montessori Society, Head of School

Presenter: Developing new creative lessons in the classroom In-Service for CGMS Staff

Presenter: Montessori Practical Life Review In-Service for CGMS Staff

Hobbies

Fitness walking, tennis, water sports, reading and exploring new teaching techniques for learning differences especially area of dyslexia, and spending time with my family.