Welcome

Potomac Association of
Cooperative Teachers Inc.

The Potomac Association of Cooperative Teachers Inc. (PACT)  is a tax-exempt, 
incorporated professional organization of cooperative nursery  school teachers located in the Washington, DC area. Established in 1961, PACT is run by dedicated volunteers.

Our Mission

PACT's primary purpose is to provide training for teachers through workshops and speakers in all areas pertaining to early childhood education. PACT also seeks to promote the concept of preschool education through the cooperative function of parents and teachers.

By-Laws

PACT is governed by a set of By-laws approved by the membership.​

Membership

Membership is open to all who are interested in the education of young children. Educators seeking to join PACT should complete the online Membership Form. 
Dues of $60.00 per school year (2019-20) entitles the member to:

​​   Attend two professional development training days each school year *  
   Access a lending library of educational DVDs
   Two online newsletters per year
   Participation in the PACT member listserv

  * Fee for joining PACT after the Fall 2019 Professional Development Day in October is $40.  

Membership is on an individual (not school) basis and cannot be transferred. 

Refunds may be issued prior to the Professional Development Day registration deadline. Refunds will not be issued after that date or if the participant cancels or does not attend the Professional Development Day. In the event that it is necessary to cancel a Professional Development Day due to unforeseen circumstances, PACT would refund the fee to the participants.  

Questions about membership? Please e-mail VPMembershipPACT@gmail.com                                                                                                                                                    

Award for Devoted Service in Early Childhood Education

The Award for Devoted Service in Early Childhood Education was re-instated in 2016. Janise Allyn-Smith, Teacher/Director at Silver Spring Nursery School, received the award for the 2016-17 school year, and Jennifer DeBernardis, Teacher at Silver Spring Nursery School, received the award for 2017-18. At the Spring 2019 Professional Development Day, the 2018-19 service award was presented to Angie Zeidenberg. Angie is Director of Bannockburn Nursery School. 

There are many candidates deserving of recognition, and members are encouraged to consider nominating one of their mentors or co-workers for the 2020-21 school year.  It's never too early to begin the process!   Nominations will be due March 1st, 20201and the award will be presented at the Spring 2021 Professional Development Day. Review the Service Award Nomination Form. 


Hall of Fame 

In the Spring of 2018, the PACT Board established a PACT Hall of Fame to recognize members who have given exemplary service in the field of Early Childhood Education.  

At the March 2019 Professional Development Day, Edie Mossberg was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation. Edie has served as Co-President of PACT, Director of Glenbrook Nursery School in Bethesda, and ECE consultant. She currently serves on the PACT Service Award Committee.  

At the Fall 2019 Professional Development Day, Bernadine (Bernie) Occhiuzzo was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation. Bernie has been the teacher/director at Cedar Lane Nursery School since 2003.  Her commitment to ECE goes above and beyond the classroom, as she has advocated for better standards and bringing cooperative schools into the forefront with county and state officials.  She has served on Montgomery County's Child Care Commission, is now working with Maryland Family Network, and is actively fostering connections with the Montgomery County Children's Resource and Referral Center.  Currently Bernie is serving her 2nd year as PACT’s Co-President, during which she has worked tirelessly with MSDE to secure PACT’s training approval number, essential for PACT to host the Fall and Spring Professional Development Days.  Bernie’s energy and hard work have done so much for the whole DC/VA/MD cooperative schools.  

Edie and Bernie's names have been added to the following list of PACT Hall of Fame honorees: 

Janise Allyn-Smith- Teacher/Director, Silver Spring Nursery School, PACT Board member (2017)                          Jennifer DeBernardis – Teacher(retired), Silver Spring Nursery School, past PACT Co-President and current Board member (listserv)                                                                                                                                    Annette Fitzpatrick - Director (retired), Chevy Chase United Methodist Church Preschool, current PACT Board member (Newsletter and website)                                                                                                                    Edie Mossberg - Director (retired) Glenbrook Nursery School, past PACT Co-President, currently on the PACT Service Award Committee.                                                                                                                Bernadine Occhiuzzo - Director/teacher, Cedar Lane Nursery School. Served on MCCC, MFN, and currently in 2nd year as Co-President of PACT.                                                                                                                         Helene Segal-Turner – Director (retired), Kensington Nursery School, past PACT Co-President, currently on the PACT Service Award Committee                                                                                                                       Cindy Walsh – Director (retired) Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church Weekday Nursery School, past PACT Board member                                                                                                                                                        Fran Warthen - Director (retired), Suburban Nursery School                                                                              Angie Zeidenberg - Director, Bannockburn Nursery School