Montessori School of Maui Announces New Head of School

Montessori School of Maui announced it has appointed Eric L. Dustman, PhD, as new Head of School.

School officials say his extensive experience in international, private, and public schools attracted the Montessori’s Head of School Search Committee to Dr. Dustman. Photo Courtesy

Dr. Dustman, a credentialed Montessorian, began working at Montessori in mid-July, alongside Rene Anderson-Vorfeld, who served as Head of School from 2012 through July 2017.

Dr. Dustman brings years of educational experience to the school. Prior to joining the school, he served as principal at Qingdao Amerasia International School in Qingdao, China, a toddler through Grade 12 International Baccalaureate program. He spent the last two years collaborating to fuse the IB and Montessori pedagogies at the toddler through early childhood levels. Before moving to China, he was Head of School at The New School Montessori in Cincinnati, OH, for 14 years.

School officials say his extensive experience in international, private, and public schools attracted the Montessori’s Head of School Search Committee to Dr. Dustman.

Head of School Search Committee Chair, Tess DeLisa, said, “Overwhelmingly, our community found Eric to be an excellent match for the Montessori School of Maui. He is a highly experienced, credentialed Montessori teacher with a PhD in Educational Studies with a focus on Empathy, and many years of demonstrated success as a Montessori Head of School. Eric’s qualifications, along with his immediate rapport with our committee and community, give us great excitement for things to come under his leadership. We are very happy to warmly welcome Eric and his family to our school ʻohana.”

He made the move to Maui with his wife, Renee, and their three children Lucy (16), Amelia (14), and Witt (12).

“After spending the last two years in China, it is time for my wife and I to begin re-establishing our family and our roots within the United States. Doing so in Hawai‘i with and among those at Montessori School of Maui who have been so welcoming, looks very promising.”

Former Head of School, René Anderson-Vorfeld said, “I have great confidence in Eric and his leadership abilities. Along with the passionate team that has been here for such a long time, I only see a bright future continuing for this amazing community.”