If you are a teacher, then I am confident you understand the demanding profession we have chosen for ourselves. Our days and weeks are probably filled with late nights looking over students’ work, multiple trips to Target and Michael’s to find the perfect container or exact hue of purple cardstock, and time spent away from loved ones because our job demands it. We all have spent countless hours and dollars making sure our classroom is ready for students, and shed numerous tears of frustration, stress, and worry over our students’ wellbeing. We sacrifice our time, family, and sleep in order to give our students the best experience possible.
Sometimes it feels as if every ounce of energy we have is dedicated to these young humans who depend on us for guidance. We plan our weeks out in advance to ensure every child receives the content they need. We cut 5 ½ x 5 ½ slips of paper for metal inset work. We pour over our lessons, replenish paper, sharpen pencils, and even meticulously order the materials on the shelves to train the eye for reading. We laminate, cut, sew, glue, and print before students arrive and make sure that every item is carefully positioned on the shelves. We are mindful of the flow of our rooms, making sure children can move unencumbered by unnecessary barriers without allowing for large spaces for running and careless activity. We are artists, seamstresses, cleaning crews, interior decorators, copy machine aficionados. We could make an entire work out of pony beads and a pipe cleaner if we needed to. On top of that, we are air traffic controllers, therapists, observers, caretakers, and friends. And, above all, we are guides to the future’s brightest lights; children.
As Montessorians, much of our training is dedicated to preparing our minds, bodies and souls for battle. We are armored with knowledge of how to manipulate and present materials, schooled on the Montessori philosophy and planes of development, and given tools necessary to set each child up for success. For months, we commit our time, energy and resources to pursue this profession; one that requires maximum effort.
But what happens when all of this swiftly comes to a screeching halt? What happens you’re your training and preparation isn’t enough? During this difficult time, with a global pandemic tearing its way through our communities, it is easy to get discouraged and to lose hope. It is easy to get lost in feelings of hopelessness and fear. And for the Montessori community, it is easy to ask ourselves, “What’s the point?”
We are highly skilled at preparing our environments. We can cut paper with our eyes closed and give stamp game lessons without batting an eye. But, no matter how much we prepare our classrooms, our spirits, and our hearts for our students, there is nothing that can prepare us to leave our familiar environments for new, unfamiliar territory. Suddenly we have been thrust into a virtual space, forced to adapt. For the time being, we have to set aside the materials we depend on, and find creative, dynamic ways to deliver our lessons.
I know that the thought of change can be intimidating, and it is much easier to give up than to keep going. Being away from our classrooms and building relationships with our students is gut-wrenching. However, I choose to believe that if there were any community in the world that could make lemonade out of the sour lemons we have been dealt, it is us. Our training and profession haven’t just made us great teachers, but dynamic human beings. We are innovators, adventure seekers, creators and visionaries. We can go confidently in any direction we choose because we have proven ourselves worthy time and time again. Our work has prepared us for such a time as this.
So, take heart dear ones. Be encouraged and know that you are capable of great things. Through hardship and disappointment comes great strength and grit. Maria Montessori said, “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” But, don’t forget to take credit for your part in helping to guide and protect these future world changers. Now, more than ever, know that you play an integral role in the lives of the children you teach. And, more importantly, you are loved and appreciated.
Montessori On My Mind 