Through the eyes of our MSK Team…
I first learned about Montessori about 30 years ago at the kitchen table at my parent’s home. My 4 year old cousin lived with us at the time and she was attending a local Montessori School. She was sitting at the kitchen table reading and cursive writing. I was in awe and asked her mom how? That’s when she said “it’s Montessori!” Those two words led me to want to learn more about it and so my journey of learning, knowing, growing and loving Montessori began…..
– Principal Kooner –
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a teacher. I spent countless hours “teaching” my younger siblings how to read and write when we were children, and it was something that brought me pure joy from a very young age. I chose to become a Montessori teacher because I fell in love with the pedagogy. I was fascinated by the materials, which helped ME re-learn some challenging concepts (that I struggled with as a child) in the most concrete, innovative, and genius way. The Montessori materials speak to the children and provide learning opportunities like nothing else I’ve ever seen. Being a Montessori teacher is my passion, highly fulfilling, and rewarding, but it’s not easy. It takes extraordinary commitment, hard work, the ability to multi- task at high levels, discipline, and a pristine sense of order and organization. Being a Montessori teacher is a daily reminder of how important it is to never lose your creativity, compassion, and patience. We model these virtues for our students each day, but often, it is our students who impart these virtues on US. Being a Montessorian allows me to extend beyond my boundaries, both personally and professionally. Our stories as Montessori teachers are all unique, but we share one common thread: Maria Montessori. Her passion for children around the world and her quest for the respect of the individual has led us to follow in her footsteps. It is an honour and a privilege to continue Maria Montessori’s work here at MSK.
– Mrs. Lisa Fida –
From as early as I can remember, I have loved words, in the form of reading and writing, creating, and learning about history and how things were organized. I was fortunate to have an early start to school as a Casa student myself over 40 years ago. My parents saw my natural curiosity and enjoyment that I experienced in learning, that lead me in the direction of sharing my love of learning by following a career in education. Being a Montessorian is more than just a job I get to do, but an everyday experience in helping nurture and foster learning in young people to become their best self. I get to be part of something bigger than myself, as a Casa Teacher (or Directress as Montessori would describe) I play an important role as one of the first influencers on a child’s experience in learning and coming to school. Working in the field of Montessori Education now for over 20 years, I am still passionate and rewarded everyday by the work I get to do. I get to be a part of in the journey for my students, my fellow co-workers, families, and community. I chose Montessori because it aligns with my own feelings and values of what real learning is – more than a classroom but a relationship and experience that you build with not only within yourself, but also with those who you surround yourself with.
– Ms. Amanda Elliott-
Being a Montessori teacher for toddlers is a profoundly rewarding experience. The emphasis Montessori places on providing freedom within limits aligns perfectly with my belief in nurturing independence while ensuring a secure environment. In the Montessori classroom, children are allowed to work at their own pace, encouraging a personalised learning journey that respects individual differences. The child-led philosophy not only empowers toddlers to make choices, but also instills a genuine love of learning. Witnessing their growing confidence as they engage in self-directed activities and master new skills is a fulfilling process for any teacher. Being part of their developmental journey, guided by Montessori principles is a constant reminder of the positive impact the educational philosophy can have on shaping confident, independent, and curious children!
– Mrs. DeSousa –
Why I chose to teach Montessori is because Maria Montessori empowered students by establishing trust, having respectful relationships that nurture children’s responsibility and joy in their own learning.
– Ms. Cassaro –
I chose Montessori because it has made me become a more confident educator. I have seen children grow, become compassionate and amazing individuals. I love seeing the children have their hands on experiences with the Montessori materials.
– Mrs. Pabla –
When I decided to go back to school after my boys were a little older, I new I wanted to work with children, as I was looking at different avenues, I came across the Montessori program. As I was reading about the method of Montessori teaching, right away, I could relate, the hands-on learning, one on one, moving around, using materials and being shown how to do something, that’s exactly how I learn, the more I learned about Montessori, I knew this was the path I wanted to go down. I wanted to be able to teach children the best way to learn.
– Mrs. Wright –
I chose Montessori because as an educator I believe it is important to nurture each child’s individual strengths and interests. Montessori education allows children to explore their own world while developing life skills through practical life. Montessori encourages children to progress at their own speed and pace with an individualized curriculum plan based on the child’s needs and abilities. Montessori education provides a hands- on learning experience with the use of materials for all ages while fostering a strong sense of self, connection with others and organizational skills.
– Miss DiBenedetto –
Becoming a Montessori teacher was a choice rooted in the profound impact I believe Montessori has on shaping young minds. The Montessori approach, with its emphasis on holistic development, aligns perfectly with my educational philosophy. One of my favourite attributes of Montessori is that it provides a nurturing space where children develop not only academic skills but essential life skills, laying a strong foundation for their future education and personal growth. The philosophy recognizes and respects each child’s individual pace and learning style, allowing children to explore activities that align with their unique needs at their own pace. Witnessing the spark of curiosity and the genuine sense of accomplishment in the children as they explore and learn is incredibly rewarding! The collaborative and interactive nature of the Montessori environment creates a fulfilling dynamic where teachers not only guide but also learn alongside students. Choosing to be a Montessori teacher is, for me, a commitment to being a guiding force in unlocking the full potential of young minds and laying the groundwork for a lifetime of learning and exploration.
– Ms.Ahsan –
I have always had a curiosity about learning more about the Montessori educational approach. The attention to detail and being a guide to the children rather than teaching them is something that sparked my interest. In particular, children in their early years are capable beings, ready to learn and flourish into their own unique selves. I have been fortunate enough to be able to understand the love Maria Montessori has built for her young community and future generations by learning about authentic Montessori education. Being a part of a strong community that strives towards the excellence of what it means to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for our students has me feeling grateful. To me, Montessori in one word is excellence. The love, dedication and inner peace it provides to each unique child is something I value as an educator. As I continue my journey to understanding the Montessori approach, I am hopeful I can utilize my dedication and utmost care towards each child’s innate curiosity for learning.
– Ms. Seballos –
Hands-on didactic material, children mentoring children, and collaboration are just a few features that are part of Maria Montessori’s pedagogy. As a Montessori educator this way of teaching and learning resonated with the type of educator I wanted to be. It was never a question of “why” I wanted to be a Montessori educator. Montessori, with all the beautifully, purposefully created material is just one aspect of what Montessori is. The other side, which is equally, if not more important, is the instillment of practical life and grace and courtesy within a child. How to greet people when you meet someone, saying good morning and have a great night each day, peaceful conflict-resolution skills, learning how to set up one’s workday are just a few features of the Montessori program that builds life-long, contributing members of society. This was one of the areas which called me to teach Montessori. Helping children become the best person they could be, and being kind, loving humans is something that when instilled properly, like Maria Montessori does through her teachings, creates a world of people that can conquer any problem together. To me, this was one of the most important reasons that I became a Montessori educator. To create the next generation of adults is not only to ensure they know how to read, write, add and subtract but they also have to know how to work together, solve problems peacefully and respect one another and these are qualities embedded in a Montessori education.
– Mrs. Beros –
Because the essence of Montessori lies in children’s freedom to learn and develop at their own speed and according to them own needs and interests so I chose the way. Also child has many benefits, known for individually paced learning and fostering independence. The Montessori method also encourages empathy for children and helps them to joy in life long learning. I still understanding and learning about the Montessori. Just I can’t say what is maria Montessori in single word freedom.
– Mrs. Jamuna –
I choose to become involved in Montessori Teaching because I feel I can make a positive impact on our students. My calm nature opens doors for asking questions and learning outside the box. In class activities and lessons are provided to fulfill the student’s needs. I enjoy setting goals for my students and helping them achieve their highest potential.
– Mrs. S. Singh –
Montessori education has allowed me to develop my knowledge on helping children learn new concepts and solidify concepts. Seeing the progression and development of my students is one of the greatest feelings in the word. The unique learnings behind Montessori allows children to gain a better grasp on the world around them.
– Ms.Macedo
In keeping with MSK’s Montessori Education Week theme of “Montessori in One Word”, I have stretched this a little to use a hyphenated word that encapsulates why I choose to become a Montessori Directress: child- centred. When I first observed in a Montessori classroom, almost 30 years ago, I was amazed at how the classroom contained so many amazing materials, furniture and décor that were just for the children. Each child was happily engaged in their own work and the teacher moved peacefully around the room, guiding a child when necessary. Then I learned that each child had their own individualized curriculum and learning plan and how it encompassed the whole child: academically, socially and emotionally. This resonated very strongly with my own personal values and thinking and from that point on, “the rest is history”! I have remained in the Montessori classroom, working with children of many ages, because I have seen the astounding benefits and results of the philosophy and method developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. To this day, the materials and children continue to show me new things and I am amazed! I love learning alongside them. Having a child in the classroom for three years and providing them with an individualized curriculum, has given me the flexibility to truly meet the needs of each child and help them to reach their highest potential. That gives me such great joy and motivates me each day to continue my Montessori journey. I wish each family who has chosen MSK and Montessori education the same kind of joy and wonder as they watch their child grow and learn on their Montessori journey. You have provided them with a way of learning that will be an education for life and allow them to be the best they can be!
– Mrs. Leudke –
