As soon as I heard about the Public Montessori UnConference, I knew I wanted to attend, here was an opportunity to meet-up with educators, researchers, parents, supporters of public Montessori with the idea to share the challenges and successes, including discussion on ways to expand Montessori education for all children.
It was hosted by the City Garden Montessori School in St. Louis, whose mission is to provide high-quality education to a diverse student population following the philosophy of Maria Montessori, and to cultivate young people who value and respect themselves, others, the environment, and the world community.
What I immediately loved was the idea of this open space conference where "whoever shows up is the meant to be there and whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened."
On the first evening, we were asked to write down the topics we wanted to talk about and then I sat in wonderment as we went around with introductions and instantly ideas and thoughts were flowing; stories of challenges and success were shared, and all were ready to talk about what can be done with public Montessori, how can we expand this type of education for all children. Discussion focused on certification requirements (both state and Montessori), accountability, cost of starting up, parent education, state laws, the language that is used within traditional public school vs Montessori, and anti-biased anti-racist - learning to exist together.
Immediately you could sense that it was a group of individuals full of passion - it was indeed the right group. And part of me, since I'm just a parent, felt a bit intimidated to be with these individuals who are already changing the face of public Montessori in their own ways. It was overwhelming and exciting.
The next day, I walked in feeling energized and ready to learn as much as I could. We broke up into different sessions - I went to the discussions about breaking the myth that Montessori is only for the elite, advocacy - how do you spread the word, social justice, fundraising, and policy changes. I took away a lot - I loved learning what Oglesby was doing in Chicago's South Side communities. There was a ton of discussion taking place and it was inspiring to be in a room of these individuals who are all committed to public Montessori as a means in helping every child reach their full potential.
The biggest thing that I walked away with, is that I could be doing more to, should be doing more and after listening and talking with these individuals it only validated that and inspires me to make change, to perhaps have conversations that make us uncomfortable so we can open our eyes - that Montessori is for all and should be part of the education reform.
At dinner, the discussions continued and although, I walked in as a stranger, I left feeling as if I've made new friends parting ways with hugs and realizing that these are the people; the ones who are changing the world.
One of the directors for the "Building the Pink Tower" attended and I had seen the trailer prior to this event and I'm so excited for this film to release - I hope that it will be viewed by parents and it will create the buzz that is needed to get this movement going. Best of Luck to those involved in this project! Here is the link
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can
change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
"No love or friendship can ever cross our path without affecting us in some way forever." - Muriac
