Dear IMC Members

I want to acknowledge you for stopping long enough to connect with this issue’s authors and content. Taking the time to read a magazine (a work-related magazine at that) is a decision to “not” do something else, maybe something seemingly more important. I hope you pour a cup of coffee or tea, put your feet up, and use this time to read, reflect, and enjoy.

This issue brings many valuable insights. We can all recognize our schools’ trials and tribulations in Patty Sobelman’s article, Making Rituals Meaningful . I smiled as I recalled my missteps trying to accomplish the impossible by overcomplicating, overpromising, and generally overwhelming everyone just to create a “communitybuilding” event.

I consistently remind myself to “see through the children’s eyes.” And as you read Reflections of a Montessori Graduate , you will get a glimpse into one graduate's perspective of his Montessori education. Let’s find out if other Montessori graduates have similar experiences to share. We may have to remind ourselves, our staff, and our parents about The Importance of the Kindergarten Year by Tim Seldin ~ how else will more students graduate from Montessori Secondary programs?

Consider Dane Peter's proposal for adding a Sixth and Seventh Great Lesson in Cosmic Education and the Seven Great Lessons for 2023? Join our webinar on May 17, 2023, at 1 pm ET for a lively discussion with Dane. We’d love to hear your feedback!

I recently visited an elementary Montessori classroom organized according to the Five Great Lessons. I saw the spiraling curriculum even more clearly. I would love to be a student in that environment!

While there is quite a bit of information in this issue, I want to bring your attention to Montessori Mentors: Strengthening the Montessori Community . This idea was born with a cross-section of passionate Montessorians who endeavor to provide a new, positive answer to two questions, 1. What happens when Montessori guides and school leaders stop working fulltime? 2. How do we support school leaders, teachers, and adult learners during a time of great need? Read the article and let us know how you want to get involved.

We are a community; Montessori education brings us together; we share our belief that “within the child lies the fate of the future.” We appreciate each of you and look forward to connecting with you at our next Montessori Leadership Forum (Wednesdays at 1 pm ET) and our 27th Annual Montessori Foundation - IMC Conference in Phoenix, Arizona (November 2-5, 2023). Please feel free to contact us at info@montessori.org; we love to hear from you!

In service of children and families,

Kathy Leitch

IMC Executive Director