Dearborn Heights Montessori Teacher Wins Top Award

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI – “Discovery” is an important word for Karen McGraw, who teaches first- through third-graders at at a Dearborn Heights Montessori school.

Helping students learn about and discover their environment is what McGraw has been doing for nearly 25 years of teaching at the Dearborn Heights Montessori Center. 

It hasn’t gone unnoticed. She was recently named by Metro Parent magazine as a 2016 Top Teacher, recognition that was based on numerous nominations by DHMC students and parents.

Rima Younes, an educator and parent of five students, three of whom have been in McGraw’s class, gave her high praise.  A fourth child will be entering her class next year.

“When you walk into Karen’s classroom, you immediately feel her sunny disposition and the care she has for her students,” Laura Springer, assistant head of school, said in a news release.

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McGraw is well known for having a knack of bringing sunshine into the classroom with her green thumb. Well nurtured plants that students help tend are readily visible throughout the room. The plants are also used to help students learn about botany.

“Karen is very dedicated to teaching the Montessori curriculum which enables students to explore their interests, whether learning about math, science, art, history and more,” Springer said.

DHMC, a  2016 recipient of the Michigan Green School Evergreen status, is a non-profit educational community founded in 1972. The school is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is affiliated with the American Montessori Society, Michigan Montessori Society, and the Association of Independent Michigan Schools.

DHMC toddler, preschool, daycare and latchkey programs, along with its satellites Livonia Montessori School and Plymouth-Canton Montessori School, are licensed by the Michigan Division of Child and Adult Licensing.

Image credit:  Karen McGraw works with two first grade students, Katerina Goffas, left, and Alina Younes, on a writing assignment. (Photo via Dearborn Heights MOntessori Center)