When I first heard about Montessori, I was curious at best, but had very little time to do more than hear about it. I was in my first year in the united states, and was focused on making my way in a new environment, and teaching in a middle school of a very special Yeshivah. So needless to say, I didn’t do anything about it.
Towards the end of the school year, I finally came to visit Montessori, and that changed everything. It took me a while to comprehend that all those children moving around, sitting on rugs and doing various independent activities, were actually part of a classroom dynamic. The rooms were not covered in procedures and classroom chores. They were decorated with beautiful and colorful works by the students. There were wide spaces and small shelves with all kinds of colorful, attractive objects on them. I fell in love with the concept.
I started working this year in the Middle School and some Upper Elementary at Netivot Montessori, the flagship of Jewish Montessori in the United States. I come in an teach every day, and while it’s not perfect, I see so often children that are happy to come to school, engaged in many ways and with a sparkle in their eyes.
Sometimes I have to pinch myself, to make sure I’m not dreaming.
When I ask students to prepare a project, they are excited about it; when I give them work, they learn how to manage their time, set goals and prioritize, without me needing to fuss and nudge all the time (well, maybe just a little). But it’s more than that. I am in a calm, relaxed learning environment where I can attend to students individually, watch their progress as well as their social interactions, and work together with them to maintain a healthy learning environment. It is a beautiful thing when you see young adults in the making, taking charge of their responsibilities, having discussions and debates, and all in a respectful and friendly manner. I am a teacher and I love my job, but more than that – I also enjoy it. Every moment of it. This is what I wish every teacher can enjoy, no matter who or where they are teaching.