Hello Friends,
What a fantastic week! I have been thinking a lot about courage. The Cincinnati Montessori Society is hosting its annual conference in March and the theme is “Courage, Heart, and Brains.” I will be presenting a workshop titled: Inspiring Lives; Montessori meets Shakespeare. One aspect of the workshop focuses on the amazing courage demonstrated by Maria Montessori throughout her life.
She was an iconoclast, challenging the male dominated institutions of her time to follow her dreams and passions. Even by the age of 13 she was rattling the old-world views of what being a woman should look like and enrolled in an all boys technical institute to prepare for a career in engineering. Then, this confident young woman decided to switch career paths and become among Italy’s first female physicians. As we know, her interests landed on child development and in 1907, she opened her first school in Rome, the Casa dei Bambini.
These accomplishments are remarkable but especially so, considering the obstacles she faced as a woman. She made great personal sacrifices, including not being able to claim her own son for most of her life. She is the embodiment of courage, and her efforts continue to echo in the ears of children and educators today.
When I observe in the classrooms and outside at recess, I imagine each child living bold and courageous lives. The courage to be alone and think deeply. The boldness to have a voice among others and work together with people unlike themselves. I see our little ones reaching toward independence, our (6-9) year-olds bravely standing up in front of their peers, our (9-12) students building confidence through trial, error, and determination.
I think about the challenges our students may face and how courage seems to be an essential strength they must carry with them. I am grateful Dr. Maria Montessori set such a good example for our students, teachers, and world.
Have a great weekend.
Jeff Groh
Director