As a dedicated public Montessori educator, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that paraprofessionals have on our students' education and development. In a Montessori school, paraprofessionals are not a luxury; they are an absolute necessity. Their presence in the classroom ensures that each child receives the individualized attention and support that is the hallmark of Montessori pedagogy. Our district, Cincinnati Public Schools, has long respected research indicating that smaller class sizes in early grades lead to lasting benefits in student achievement. It is with this understanding that I am deeply concerned about the proposal to reduce paraprofessional support to only 0.5 per classroom.

Paraprofessionals are the lifeblood of our Montessori schools. They play a vital role in facilitating the teaching of multiple subjects across three grade levels within a single classroom. Without their full presence, it becomes nearly impossible to cater to the diverse learning needs of all students. Our children risk missing out on critical content, as only one grade level can be effectively managed at a time. Every student, from the youngest to the oldest, deserves the opportunity to engage with the curriculum fully.

Reducing the number of paraprofessionals will significantly undermine the quality of education that our Montessori students receive. We must prioritize the holistic development of each child and uphold the values that make Montessori education unique. This challenge is not just about staffing; it's about maintaining the integrity of a proven educational method that has served our communities well for years.

I urge the Cincinnati Public Schools to maintain the current staffing of one paraprofessional per Montessori classroom. Our children's future depends on the strong foundation that qualified educators, including paraprofessionals, provide. If we hope to support the academic, social-emotional, and creative growth of every Montessori student in Cincinnati, we cannot afford to compromise on this issue. Please join me in advocating for the resources our students and educators need to thrive. Sign this petition to keep paraprofessionals full time in every Montessori classroom across Cincinnati.