Open Door Press

20 years as a Primary (ages 3-6) and Elementary (ages 6-12) Montessori teacher, school administrator, and school founder.

Montessori. I've also read the works of Charlotte Mason and Rudolf Steiner, as well as many treatises on classical education. I've read about Kurt Hahn's schools and the founding of Outward Bound, which led to the expeditionary learning movement. And I like E.D. Hirsch's Core Knowledge approach. I see overlap in all of these philosophies, and have incorporated compatible elements into the Montessori environment, while staying true to Montessori principles.

Education: Magna Cum Laude, B.A. Summa Cum Laude, M.A. Practice: The greatest "honor" I have received has been the privilege of serving children in their development with the help of the lovely Montessori philosophy. There have been innumerable "shining moments," as when a child expressed great joy at a new discovery, an unsettled child found peace and comfort in a new activity, or when I could finally step back and watch a room full of children hum with meaningful work.

B.A., double major in History and Philosophy. Montessori Primary Certification. Montessori Elementary Certification. M.A.Ed.

Many years ago as a young 20-something, I was invited to visit a Montessori school. I instinctively recognized those elements which I had missed in my own education. I quickly noticed the beauty in the environment, the freedom of movement and of choice, the quiet enthusiasm of the teacher, the attractive and seemingly advanced learning materials, and the calmness of the children. Intrigued, I set out to learn more about the method. Since that time, I have studied and practiced the Montessori method as a teacher, administrator, and school founder. After more than two decades in the field, I continue to be inspired by the clarity, order, and beauty of the Montessori materials, and by Dr. Montessori’s profound insights into the developing child. Her innovations grew out of experimentation and keen observation of children across her lifetime, an approach she called scientific pedagogy. I hope you will find these materials helpful in your own pedagogical endeavors. P.S. I love collecting educational ideas and resources on Pinterest! http://www.pinterest.com/meholley/ Also, please visit my blog, A Montessori Lexicon: http://montessorilexicon.blogspot.com/