Paige and Andrew, thank you for this podcast. It is so affirming of this important work in the Montessori community- with children, with families, and with educators.
The eco-system you mentioned is so important. Helping educators observe to develop a plan for them, for the environment, and for the student and with regular updates based on student need. 1000% agree that at the heart of the work, it isn't about the "diagnosis" but rather the student, connecting with their strengths and their areas for growth with honesty and empathy that includes them in that growth. Giving them the sense of autonomy that too often they haven't felt.
It's difficult work, it can be challenging work but it is the most rewarding kind of work. I hear teachers say "I want to be inclusive in my classroom, I just don't know how," So thank you for your work, and thank you for your plan to begin the Institute of Northeast Ohio. Guiding Montessori adults to explore and reflect on their beliefs, gain the knowledge that aligns with Montessori and current research and understanding to move beyond the "deficit model" with a set of "strategies based on a label", to feel confident, competent, and actually joyful in creating a Montessori classroom where every student and their family can thrive and be who they genuinely are is, I believe, exactly what Dr. Montessori teaches us.
Our work is powerful. Thank you for being on this journey, too.
(For innovation happening in the broader world of special education- The Council for Exception Children, Julie Causton and Jenna M. Rufo. Reimaging Special Education, Kerry Murphy, Neurodiversity- Affirming Practices. Julie Causton's website Inclusive Schooling.- Just a start.)
Paige and Andrew, thank you for this podcast. It is so affirming of this important work in the Montessori community- with children, with families, and with educators.
The eco-system you mentioned is so important. Helping educators observe to develop a plan for them, for the environment, and for the student and with regular updates based on student need. 1000% agree that at the heart of the work, it isn't about the "diagnosis" but rather the student, connecting with their strengths and their areas for growth with honesty and empathy that includes them in that growth. Giving them the sense of autonomy that too often they haven't felt.
It's difficult work, it can be challenging work but it is the most rewarding kind of work. I hear teachers say "I want to be inclusive in my classroom, I just don't know how," So thank you for your work, and thank you for your plan to begin the Institute of Northeast Ohio. Guiding Montessori adults to explore and reflect on their beliefs, gain the knowledge that aligns with Montessori and current research and understanding to move beyond the "deficit model" with a set of "strategies based on a label", to feel confident, competent, and actually joyful in creating a Montessori classroom where every student and their family can thrive and be who they genuinely are is, I believe, exactly what Dr. Montessori teaches us.
Our work is powerful. Thank you for being on this journey, too.
(For innovation happening in the broader world of special education- The Council for Exception Children, Julie Causton and Jenna M. Rufo. Reimaging Special Education, Kerry Murphy, Neurodiversity- Affirming Practices. Julie Causton's website Inclusive Schooling.- Just a start.)