As Montessori teachers, we are often with our students for many years. The connections we build with children last. Each child changes us, teaches us, and helps us understand more about the world. In turn, we hope to make a lasting difference in their lives. When Dr. Montessori said, “Follow the child,” she was directing us to be in the moment with each child and to respond to their needs and interests. As Montessori teachers, however, my colleagues and I also stretch ourselves to take the “long view” of the child. We ask ourselves to imagine who they are becoming and who they will eventually be.
Once in a while, after they leave our classrooms, we get a glimpse of who they are. I got a lovely letter from an alum once. She said, “You showed me the path and I followed. I discovered and learned which I will continue to do…So thank you.” I felt proud of her, and proud of the work we do at MCH. We love to feel the deep connection that has lasted over the years and feel proud of who we see before us. We are inviting a group of young alumni to join us for a Q&A panel in mid-December. I’m hoping lots of folks can join us to hear directly from them how deep the connection is, and how an MCH education contributed to their lives. |