Fort Worth ISD Schools

Susan Wade - Principal
	Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, I had the good fortune to live in several parts of the country as my father was in the military. I also lived in Morocco and Korea. We landed in Texas my senior year of high school and have remained ever since. After graduating from Arlington Heights High School, I attended Tarleton State University, graduating with a degree in Economics. A short time later, I earned a Master’s Degree in Urban Affairs from UTA and became an urban planner. While this was enjoyable and rewarding work, in my heart I always wanted to be a teacher. I intended to become a high school teacher and, in fact, had already earned the secondary certification. However, when my son entered kindergarten at Como Montessori School, I soon became fascinated with the Montessori method and philosophy. I began Montessori training and became certified through the American Montessori Society in both lower (6-9 year olds) and upper (9-12 year olds) elementary. I taught both levels at Como Montessori and then became the Instructional Specialist. After ten years at Como Montessori, I became the Special Interest Program Coordinator at William James Middle School. Desiring to become a principal, I transferred to Kirkpatrick Elementary School as the assistant principal. My long-range goal and ultimate dream came true when I was asked to lead Daggett Montessori in 2003.

Paulette White - Assistant Principal
	When I was in middle school, I knew that I wanted my life’s work to be in education. I had a passion to help children to discover/ nurture their joy of learning. Upon receiving my B.A. degree in education from Western New Mexico University, I taught fourth grade for one year before taking a break from my career to be a stay-at-home mom until all four of my children entered school before returning to teaching. Looking for an alternative method of education for our last child to enter school, I discovered the Montessori method of education and knew that this was the perfect fit for our son. He thrived in his Montessori classrooms where he learned to be responsible for his own education and greatly benefitted from the multi-aged, multi-sensory, hands-on learning environment. Being ready to return to teaching when my son went to Kindergarten, I knew I, too, belonged in a Montessori school. I received American Montessori training and certification for ages 6-12 (Grades 1-6) and taught multi- aged grades 1/2/3 for 6 years and multi-aged grades 4/5/6 for 5 years at Como Montessori, a K-8 school, and loved every minute of it. I learned so much from my students, parents, and colleagues. Aspiring to be an administrator, I was the Instructional Specialist for two years at Como Montessori and served one year as the Assistant Principal after receiving my masters degree and certification from UNT before moving to traditional settings to broaden my experience as an administrator. Though I enjoyed and benefitted from my experience in traditional education, I knew I needed to follow my heart and return to my roots, Montessori. I am excited to be at Daggett Montessori School where our children thrive and their joy of learning is evident.