The Adolescent Journey: Insights into Starting and Extending Montessori Programs

Hello everyone! It’s Talk with Mirka Monday, and today I had the pleasure of a truly inspiring conversation with Dr. Ela Eckert. 

A special treat for all of you: Ela is the author of the insightful book, Maria Montessori’s Erdkinder, now available in both German and English. It’s a must-read for anyone considering or currently running an adolescent program. I can personally vouch for its practicality and the ease with which it flows – a true one-breath reader!

Our conversation today centered around a topic many Montessori schools are considering: How to Start and Extend an Adolescent Program. It’s a big undertaking, and Ela shared some invaluable insights.

The First Steps: Laying the Foundation

When embarking on this journey, Ela emphasized that it’s not a race. The initial steps require careful planning and a deep understanding of the program, particularly Maria Montessori’s vision for adolescents.

Key Considerations:

• Finding the Right Space: Whether you’re building from scratch or expanding, a suitable location with the necessary components (community house, potential for farm, etc.) is crucial.
• Building the Right Team: This isn’t the same as working with younger children. You need a dedicated team with diverse expertise and a genuine passion for working with adolescents. This includes house parents, farm managers, and educators with broader knowledge.
• Financial Planning: Establishing such a program can be a significant investment, requiring careful consideration of funding and potential sponsors.

Ela also shared another perspective, highlighting the journey of established Montessori schools looking to evolve their programs towards a more authentic adolescent experience. This often involves a gradual, step-by-step process.

Connecting and Learning: The Power of Community

Ela highlighted the increasing ease of connecting and sharing experiences in our digital age. Initiatives like regional conferences and online forums provide invaluable opportunities for those starting or expanding adolescent programs to learn from each other. The students themselves are often the most inspiring voices, offering clear perspectives on the impact of these programs.

Inspiring Examples: Seeing Montessori in Action

When asked about successful adolescent programs, Ela offered a few inspiring examples:

• Abbas Orchard: Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this program in the Philippines has extensive experience and multiple farm school environments.
• Vienna Campus (with Roman Klune): Demonstrating long-term success, this program offers a continuum through the International Baccalaureate.
• Montessori Strausberg: A remarkable example of a city school expanding to a farm school environment, showcasing significant progress in just a few years.

These examples demonstrate the diverse and impactful ways Montessori adolescent programs are shaping young lives around the world.

Navigating the Challenges:

Of course, the path isn’t always smooth. Ela shared some common hurdles:

• Parental Perceptions: Some parents may have reservations about boarding or misunderstand the modern relevance of the “Erdkinder” concept.
• Outdated Views: Addressing the misconception that Montessori is “old-fashioned” and clearly articulating its contemporary relevance is key.

Ela emphasized the power of involving current and former students and their parents in these conversations. Their positive experiences often speak volumes.

Join the Journey: Our Upcoming Workshop

We’re so excited to announce our upcoming online workshop on How to Start and Extend an Adolescent Program, taking place on April 6th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Central European Time. This is a fantastic opportunity to delve deeper into these crucial aspects.

The workshop will feature a lecture by Ela and a panel discussion with experienced leaders in adolescent programs from the Philippines, Austria, and Czechia. It’s a chance to learn from real-world experiences and gain valuable insights.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded individuals and gain practical guidance. Sign up now – seats are limited!

Thank you again to Ela for her inspiring words and valuable insights. And thank you to all of you for joining us today. We hope to see you at the workshop! Until next Monday, take care.

Yours, Mirka.