Expanding Our Horizons

No matter where we are on our journey as Montessori educators, continuous growth is a critical goal. A commitment to ongoing learning--to expanding our horizons--will keep us inspired as we strive each day to create authentic, inclusive Montessori environments that allow every child's potential to come forth. This publication offers eleven essays, each on a topic that links to a foundational principle or core element of Montessori education, followed by a ten-page reflective journal that will allow you to best tailor the content to your work. As you read through these pages, you'll: -explore the strength and value of Montessori philosophy, from the Method's founding to today; -revisit the enduring power of fundamental Montessori tenets like observation, holistic education, and the transformation of the adult; -strengthen your self-reflection practices to become a better educator and leader, while also reclaiming the joy in your work through much-needed balance; -examine the critical skills the children of today will need for the world of tomorrow, and consider how Montessori can continue to provide those skills; -dig deep into your practices to ensure that your teaching can be free of racism and other systemic bias so you can best serve all students; -find new ways to articulate the power of Montessori education for families and students, and advocate for the Method on a larger scale. Our world is moving at a rapid pace. Though the foundational tenets of Montessori education are strong, in order to stay fresh, we must always be evaluating (and reevaluating) our practices. May this book serve as both a source of inspiration and a catalyst for exploration as you continue to nurture the potential of your students, your fellow educators, and yourself.