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Published on 10/16/1995 All articles from this issue

Littmann Educational Foundation becomes a reality

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By Rita Jamison

Special to the Town Crier

Motto of the Littmann Foundation: "We are today's Innovators, creating tomorrow's education."

On Sept. 17, Hannelore Engelman announced the establishment of the Littmann Educational Foundation. Supporters celebrated the event at the Los Altos home of Ron and Teresa Ullmann. Engelman is the founder and director of the Montessori School of Los Altos.

Seventeen years ago, Engelman conceived the idea of establishing a program for American children which would incorporate the best features of what is being done in education around the globe.

"If given the opportunity, our children can achieve at the same level as their counterparts worldwide," she assured the group. "The acquisition of knowledge does not start in high school or in college, but in the earliest years of life. Improvements in the educational system will be most effective if they are implemented during this formative period of a child's development."

Teresa Ullmann remarked that "public education is presently hampered by overcrowding and limited funding. Improvements must be initiated by the private sector, or today's children will be adults before meaningful changes occur."

Bobbie Miller, founding board member and author of a widely-used children's textbook on peace education, said "I congratulate Mrs. Engelman. This is an historic moment. The seed has been germinating in her total being for 17 years, and now it has finally sprouted. She has been steadfast."

The Foundation will address improving every aspect of the educational process: teacher training, methodology, building design, and community involvement. Parent education will play a vital part; a program relevant to children must include their families. Engelman said, "Our aim is to carefully select the best ideas and to incorporate them." The concept can be implemented within a short period of time.

The Foundation is seeking five to 10 acres of land for its campus. The model school will include four buildings. One will house infant/toddler and preschool programs; the second, grades 1-6, and the third, a gymnasium. The fourth building will serve as a teacher-training center, and offer living quarters for approximately eight interns. There will be three age-appropriate playgrounds, two vegetable gardens, two small orchards, a track, and a grass maze for grade schoolers.

The underlying philosophy of the model school will be Montessorian; that is, inspired teaching, courtesy, consideration for the needs of each child, small class size, and an abundance of manipulative materials. As much emphasis will be placed on literature, art, poetry and music, as on academics and computing.

"Our goal is to raise $5 million the first year," Engelman told her supporters. "Your enthusiasm keeps us going. The purpose of our gathering today is not to raise funds. But if you like the idea, share it with your friends. They, too, may be interested in education and want to become major contributors."

Future foundation plans include making interest-free building loans available to educators across the nation who wish to implement the complete program.

For more information, call the Littmann Educational Foundation at 329-0627.