New Course available!
Creating a Positive Work Climate in an Early Childhood Program
Professional Development in Program Management (4 hours)
professional development for Educators
To nurture the growth of healthy humans
Educating the Essence will work with you to design teacher training, workshops, or consulting that best fits your needs. As an Oregon Master Trainer, professionals will receive certificates eligible for continued education requirements. Some sample workshops we have provided to other teaching organizations include:
Positive Guidance
Positive & Effective Communication
Education for Peace
Nature & Gardening
Preparing the Environment
Montessori 101
and more...
Mission statement
Educating the Essence
To support and empower parents and teachers to nurture the essence within each child into the blossoming of their full potential and being
To facilitate a positive and loving approach to nurturing children
To follow the “essence” within each child
To embrace the uniqueness of each child & family
To rely on a foundation of best practice, child development and latest brain research
To uphold positive guidance of unconditional love and kindness with firm limits and boundaries
To practice a safe and non-judgmental approach of support
To support the development of executive function, soft skills and inner discipline
To promote peaceful, nonviolent communication and conflict resolution
To create peace in our homes, schools, and world
Tamara Ulrich, MA
Oregon Registry Master Trainer
OPEC Parenting Educator Recognition
Child & Family Studies College Instructor
Founder & Former Director of Child’s View Montessori School
Montessori Training Field Consultant & Instructor
Oregon Montessori Association Board Member, Past President & Executive Director
Oregon Montessori Association Outstanding Dedication Award
Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education Team Verifier
Master’s Degree in Human Studies / Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development
Montessori Teacher Certifications (AMI & St. Nicholas)
Hi! I'm Tammy. As far back as I can remember, I dreamed of working with children and being a mom. I wanted to help ensure children grow up loved, knowing how special they are. I started baby-sitting at a very early age, and when I reached college, I chose the field of Child Development. I founded Child’s View Montessori School where I was head of school for 24 years. And, along the way I became a mom, and a grandma.
Now, as an early childhood professional for over 40 years I have worked with educators, children, and families in varying capacities. Some of the many hats I’ve worn include preschool teacher, administrator, Montessori educator, college instructor, teacher trainer, consultant, parenting educator and parenting coach. The best hat of all, however, has been as Mom (and “Gammy”). I was also a single mom and am a stepmom. Together my husband and I have four truly awesome kids, in a blended family. They’re all adults now, and I couldn’t be prouder!
I understand the many challenges parents and educators face. I’ve been there! And, I understand the needs and behaviors of children. I’ve been there too. I believe the difference we make for children today truly does create a better tomorrow. I believe every child is a unique and perfect individual with unlimited potential. I am committed to nurturing and guiding children to become who they are truly created to be. I am committed to providing support to educators and parents in more effectively navigating the challenges and behaviors we face daily in our so-important role of supporting and nurturing children. I created Educating the Essence for that purpose, along with it's sister site for parents, The Guiding Mindset.
Making a difference for children and families is my passion! I look forward to supporting YOU in smoothing out any challenges; empowering you to more fully experience the joy children bring to our lives, hearts, homes and classrooms.
For resources, articles, courses and news for parents, please check out our companion site:
The Guiding Mindset
TESTIMONIALS
Educator
Cathy Dorner
McMinnville Montessori School
We had some big transitions this year with our staff. Tammy’s Effective Communication workshop was just what we needed to open up lines of communication. The information was easy to implement into practice. In fact, one issue for me with another staff member was resolved as we engaged in the role playing exercises. We remind ourselves now to use the techniques we learned and have found it to have much improved our working environment and relationships with each other. I highly recommend this workshop!
Alicia Lazz, Principal
Touchstone School
Tammy’s training was AMAZING. We sang songs promoting appreciation and love for nature. We engaged in thoughtful conversation and idea sharing. My staff was all “buzzing” with how to use the information and make it work for their classroom. As a principal, I love when my teachers are excited about new information.
We all left the training feeling excited and eager to implement the wonderful strategies and ideas Tammy shared with us.
Dianna Redmond M.Ed.
Head of School, Sun Garden
Tammy’s Communication course was so valuable in helping me think more intentionally about how we communicate in an early childhood setting. Her approach is clear, practical, and supportive, offering real strategies that I could immediately apply with my team. I walked away feeling more confident in fostering a positive work environment and strengthening connections with both colleagues and families. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to improve communication and build a healthier, more collaborative workplace!
Mercedes Paine Castle, M.Ed.
Head of School, Portland Montessori Collaborative
Tammy's depth of knowledge as a longtime Montessori teacher, school founder, and administrator is matched by her generosity in sharing it. During the pandemic, Tammy extended her expertise to our school community through parent education workshops, offering guidance on sibling relationships, discipline, and navigating family life with young children. She brings the same clarity, warmth, and practical insight to parents as she does to educators, making Montessori principles accessible and actionable. Her personal experience as a Montessori kid, teacher, adult educator, parent, step-parent, grandparent, and wife deepened her insight and ability to share exactly the right information at exactly the right time.
I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking guidance in Montessori education. With Tammy's support your practice will evolve and flourish.
