Why do we focus so intensely on child flourishing in Montessori schools while burning out the adults who make it possible?
If we believe in human dignity as our core value, how should we evaluate and support teachers?
And what happens when we apply self-determination theory—autonomy, competence, and relatedness—not just to children, but to the educators who guide them?
These are the questions Caroline Robbins is wrestling with as both a public Montessori administrator and doctoral student studying how we can transform teacher evaluation systems to actually support human growth. Her journey from art history student inspired by Anne Frank to scholar-practitioner bridging research and real-world practice offers a unique lens on what it really takes to sustain authentic Montessori communities in public settings.
The Questions That Drive Real Change
What if teacher evaluation became collaborative appraisal instead of top-down judgment? Caroline's pilot study revealed that public Montessori teachers crave three things: relationships, meaning, and support. Remarkably, these align perfectly with self-determination theory's core human needs, suggesting we're onto something fundamental about what all humans require to thrive.
How do we maintain Montessori authenticity within systems designed for compliance and control? Caroline navigates this tension daily, working within required frameworks while asking: "How can we make this meaningful? What are your goals? How can we support you in getting there?"
Why do we lecture at parents when we'd never lecture at children? The conversation reveals a striking disconnect: Montessori educators facilitate learning beautifully with students, then resort to "sage on the stage" mode with adults. What would change if we applied the same principles consistently?
Perhaps the most provocative thread in this conversation is Caroline's focus on adult inner development. Why don't we give educators space for the same kind of spiritual preparation we expect them to facilitate for children?
Listen to discover how Caroline is quietly revolutionizing teacher evaluation and what happens when we finally start treating educators with the same developmental approach we use with children. Thanks, Caroline, for a great conversation!
Want to connect with Caroline about her research or public Montessori work? Find her on LinkedIn for updates on her upcoming publications and findings!
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