Dawn Locke Grover is Elizabeth Ann Clune Montessori School of Ithaca’s Head of School. With 31 years of experience as a Montessori educator, Dawn believes that a Montessori education can foster academic development and guide students to build character and discover their potential. Each student understands their individual value while recognizing their role within society and their part in creating a more peaceful and just world.
Dawn first fell in love with the Montessori philosophy in 1990 when teaching 3-6 year old children and pursuing a master’s degree in Experiential Education. She next focused on 6-12 year old children, completing her Elementary Montessori Training in 1996. Both desire to travel and professional opportunities have led to Dawn’s having a variety of Montessori teaching situations over the years. Wanting to settle closer to their roots, Dawn and her husband, Scott, moved their family to Ithaca in 2003, when she began teaching Junior Level children at EACMSI. While at EACMSI, she has been a classroom teacher, the Junior level team leader, a member of the administrative team, and, most importantly, a parent.
In her personal time, Dawn loves to read, hike, camp, travel, make art, and play games. She lives on West Hill with her husband, Scott. Both of their children, Cameron and Lily, are alumni of EACMSI, having attended starting when they were three and graduating from EACMSI’s middle school program.