As I start my new endeavour here in MTEI, I’d like to reflect on the lessons Montessori education has brought to my life. I never thought it would turn into a life journey or how the work of being a Montessori educator would bring such profound experiences. I have been serving in different roles for the past 15 years and I have nothing but gratitude for the amazing opportunities in the Montessori community.
From being an assistant, to Lead Guide, to completing my Masters in Montessori and using the knowledge to create my consulting company, to serving as a Head of School, and now the assistant director of a phenomenal Montessori Institute that I really love, you can see how Montessori can bring you to so many places. More importantly, how the values continue to transform you to a better person.
Struggles and challenges are inevitable of course, but I must say that with pure intentions, quality actions, dedication, and humility, these struggles become so small and can be overcome.
I want to share a couple of my favorite quotes and how it holds true throughout my Montessori career.
"The vision of the teacher should be at once precise like that of the scientist, and spiritual like that of the saint. The preparation for science and the preparation for sanctity should form a new soul, for the attitude of the teacher should be at once positive, scientific and spiritual.
Positive and scientific, because she has an exact task to perform, and it is necessary that she should put herself into immediate relation with the truth by means of rigorous observation...
Spiritual, because it is to man that his powers of observation are to be applied, and because the characteristics of the creature who is to be his particular subject of observation are spiritual." (Dr. Maria Montessori, 'The Advanced Montessori Method - I', Clio Press Ltd, 107)
As a Scientist, learning and practice never ends no matter how long you have been in the field. In meeting the interests and the needs of the children and supporting their families, one can never settle on what they know or what they have “mastered”.
As a Saint, we must all serve as models of grace, kindness, compassion, and respect. All children deserve to have people around them who have genuine spirit. People who can truly laugh with them, embrace them, see them through and value them as a whole. Being a “Saint” calls us to take a look inside ourselves, purifying, and taking away all that is hindering us to form a harmonious and loving relationship. Inner preparation is one deep calling for a Montessori guide and this is one of the greatest gifts you can give to the children and to yourself.
Lastly, as a Servant - “The teacher must be the servant of nature. The highest thing she can do is to serve. The best she can do is to be a perfect servant, to show respect and care, and to be humble”.
--- Maria Montessori (The 1946 London Lectures. The Montessori Series. Ed. Annette M. Haines. Amsterdam: Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company, 2012. p 34)
As a Servant, my Montessori practice has never been just about me and my goals, but the inspiring community I get to be part of and help grow, and most importantly the children who continue to give such humbling experiences and joy. The children are the very reason our practice exists. We always need to keep in mind that we all learn from them and serve their needs to truly fulfill the roles of a Montessori guide.
I am also a firm believer of “community over competition” and serving one another. As a community we need to focus on true service and keep our eyes on the ultimate goal - to first and foremost love the child wholly. For one is not able to build a foundation of success for every child without the love and respect that they deserve. We all have this very important responsibility and we can do this collectively. We are able to fulfill this by understanding that our intentions should be rooted from a humble heart. Avoid battling, anger, and pride, instead, honor each other’s strengths.
The number of years in practice, the degrees and credentials, titles and positions, can blind us from what true service really means. Often we should ask ourselves - Does the purpose of my action - to serve or to be served?
