In Loving Memory of Michele Butz 2017 WMA Life Time Achievement Recipient
April 1, 2025

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Michele Butz on April 1, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Michele was a devoted Montessori educator, mentor, and advocate whose impact on public Montessori education in Milwaukee will be felt for generations.

Michele received her AMI primary training from Hildegard Salsbacker and later pursued AMI elementary training under Margret Stevenson at the Washington Montessori Institute. As a longtime resident of Milwaukee, she played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of public Montessori education within Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS).

Michele began her teaching career at Milwaukee Montessori School alongside Hildegard. In the early 1970s, the court-ordered desegregation of public schools led to Montessori education being considered for a magnet school option, ultimately resulting in the creation of MacDowell Montessori School, Milwaukee’s first public Montessori school. Michele passionately advocated for Montessori education as an option, working alongside Hildegard and school board members.

Once the Montessori programs were established, she began teaching at MacDowell and played a pivotal role in making it the first public Montessori program in MPS. As program coordinator, she helped shape one of the first world-class public Montessori programs in the United States, meticulously organizing classroom materials, mentoring new teachers, and fostering a thriving educational environment. Her deep passion for the arts led her to produce plays and performances, further enriching the school community.

In 1992, she continued her journey by teaching primary Montessori at Greenfield Montessori, Milwaukee’s second public Montessori school. By 1996, she was called upon to serve as the program coordinator at Craig Montessori, the district’s third public Montessori program. Michele helped Craig Montessori flourish from its humble beginnings of 200 K-3 and K-4 students to over 500 students, K-3 to 8th grade. She instilled in the school an eye for artistic beauty and order, ensuring that classrooms were carefully curated for optimal learning.

Michele’s attention to detail was legendary. Whether through her meticulously handwritten lists of classroom materials or her deep commitment to mentoring teachers, she always emphasized that “there has to be attention to detail.” Her unwavering dedication set a standard of excellence that continues to shape Montessori education in Milwaukee.

Despite her cancer diagnosis in 2009, Michele remained deeply involved in the Montessori community. Even after retiring from MPS in 2011, she continued volunteering, offering her expertise to the newly established Riley Montessori Bilingual program. She selflessly organized materials, mentored new educators, and ensured that each school she touched reflected the highest Montessori ideals.

Michele Butz is considered the mother of MPS Montessori, having played an instrumental role in the establishment and success of multiple programs. Her kindness, wisdom, and dedication will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

Her legacy lives on in the countless students, teachers, and families who benefited from her passion and commitment to Montessori education.

With heartfelt gratitude and remembrance, we honor Michele’s life and contributions.