Remember Your Why

I always cringe when I see memes telling teachers to "remember your why." As if teachers, for any minute of any day, are motivated by anything other than our love for children. I've also heard it described as a form of manipulation, used by administrators to justify how poorly teachers are generally treated. This perspective resonates.

I've been asked repeatedly why I feel so strongly about Montessori philosophy and very young children. Honestly, it is so hard to articulate. Babies and toddlers are just amazing! Observing them discover the world around them is miraculous! Their smiles and laughs are better than any drug! Pair that with the remarkable philosophy that is Montessori education, and it is a match made in heaven. Maria Montessori started her academic life as a scientist, much like me. :) Her devotion to understanding children through the scientific lense initially peaked my interest, but it was her ability to see children as complete humans that really got me hooked. I once heard someone say "well, I drank the Montessori Kool-Aid;" yes, me too.