“Montessori students are ‘lifelong learners’ – their love of learning helps them achieve their goals and overcome obstacles throughout their lifetime.” Zahra Foroud

Zahra began teaching preschool and kindergarten at the Lethbridge Montessori School in 1984. She became classroom directress in 1988, and has been the school director & principal since 1999. In 2010, Zahra retired from teaching children in order to focus her attention on the establishment of the second campus (Forestry Avenue). A large part of Zahra’s work involves training staff on the job as all assistants, teachers, and directress’ must have a deep understanding of the Montessori Method and Materials in order to teach effectively.

Zahra is passionate about the Montessori Method because of its ‘child-centered approach that fosters a love of learning.’ She is a Montessori Teacher Instructor with the Montessori Teachers’ College of Toronto (MTC). With this affiliation, Zahra is qualified to provide the only Montessori Foundations course offered in Lethbridge. She is also one of the instructors for the diploma course offered by the MTC in Calgary.

“…my mission for providing a true Montessori School in Lethbridge will not be accomplished unless I provide the community with accredited Montessori teachers’ courses –so that our Montessori classes have more qualified Montessori teachers.”

Zahra is recognized by Montessori Educators internationally. She is an international Validator of Montessori Colleges, regulated by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), and has been validating Montessori schools and colleges across Canada and the USA for the past 10 years. Due to her extensive education and experience in the field, Zahra is often invited to speak at Montessori and Early Childhood conferences. She also offers annual Montessori workshops for parents. She received her Montessori Diploma from the St. Nicholas Montessori College of London England and her B.Ed. from the University of Lethbridge in Alberta. Zahra has three daughters and three grandsons.

Click here for more information about Zahra and the history of the Lethbridge Montessori School.