Talks with Mirka: October Challenges for Montessori School Leaders
As the middle of October settles in, leaders of Montessori Programs and Schools around the world face unique challenges that shape the remainder of their school year. Watch our latest episode of “Talks with Mirka” below, this time featuring Sue Pritzker, trainer of AMI Administrators Course.
School has been in session for about a month. New beginnings blend with that which has continued to be part of your school from the previous school year.
October is a month of resettling and reconnecting. It is a period when you get to know the new children in your community, you need to connect with their families and observe the needs of your returning and new staff.
This period is rich with the promise of what the rest of the year may hold. And at the same time, it calls for you to do careful and thoughtful planning.
In these early weeks, classrooms begin to form their rhythm. Children and teachers settle into patterns. Teachers start noticing which students require what type of support. Relationships among students begin to form.
October is a time to nurture relationships throughout the whole school: supporting connections between children and staff, strengthening bonds with parents, and building new relationships with incoming staff. During this time, communication is key. You have to not only address individual concerns but also to build trust. Clear, consistent communication will be the foundation for the whole school year. And that is not all just yet. Often in October Montessori school leaders have the chance to go and do observations in classrooms. Observing classrooms allows them to assess where staff may need support.
It’s not only about observing the children but also understanding the relationships between teachers and their assistants. These observations, paired with intentional conversations, will help you decide where to focus your energy for the months to come. This is a time when you literally immerse yourself in your school community.
Open-door hours, parent breakfasts, informal check-ins at the school door, all of that will help you create an inviting environment for parents to feel heard and valued.
In many ways, October is also a month for “building the team culture,” and it will set the tone for the whole school year ahead.
While you usually have a lot of energy and are always optimistic, the reality is that supporting an entire school community can be exhausting. And you must be aware of that.
To sustain your energy and optimism, you need a strong year-long plan. Make sure you map out significant events, such as observations, parent meetings, and professional development opportunities. This will help you anticipate busy periods and prepare for moments of rest. Thoughtful planning will enable you to care for the school but also to prioritize your own well-being. Your energy and presence are foundational to your school’s success!
If you need help and support for yourself in doing this, make sure to join us for our upcoming AMI Montessori Administrators Certificate Courseourse with Sue Pritzker and Eder Cuevas.
My conversation with Sue Pritzker, AMI Trainer and Facilitator of the Montessori Administrators Certificate Course, at today’s Facebook Live Show “Talk with Mirka” was an inspiration for this blog post.
Related courses:
- The AMI Administrators Certificate Course – starting on October 26, 2024
- The Art of Observation: Seeing Is Believing – workshop starting on October 18, 2024
