Why are you involved with Montessori education?
My Montessori journey began in 1997 when I was only two and a half years old. I will forever be grateful to my mother for enrolling me into what is now MIC. Just as I grew, the school also grew and transformed over the eleven years I attended. I learnt so much during this time particularly the ability to think critically and understand that learning happens all the time, every minute of the everyday, and doesn’t stop at the end of the school day. I showed an aptitude for mathematics and at MIC was allowed, and encouraged, to follow this passion well beyond what would normally be expected for a person of my age. Sadly, as MIC was yet to start a senior program, I spent my final three years of schooling at a local state school. I adjusted well to this new system but craved the chance to go beyond the school’s age restrictive curriculum, especially in mathematics. So much so that during my final year at the school I took an extra university mathematics course while also finishing my high school education.

Fast forward to 2012 when I enrolled at the University of the Sunshine Coast with a scholarship into a dual degree of Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Science, majoring in mathematics. I remember clearly, during my very first education subject of my degree, I jumped at the chance to educate my new peers about Montessori and gave, what would be the first of many, presentations on Montessori; the pedagogy that shaped who I am today. Being the only student in my cohort to have truly experienced a Montessori education, I never shied away from doing my best to inform and represent everything Montessori stands for during my degree. Even during my six months studying abroad in Brno, Czech Republic, in 2014, I would advocate for the Montessori philosophy and highlight all of the benefits to be gained through its implementation globally. I longed for all students to be given the opportunity to experience a Montessori based education full of opportunities for peer-based learning and guided discovery. That is why when MIC approached me with an offer to become an Adolescent Guide I jumped at the opportunity. My love of Montessori was further confirmed through my completion of the AMI NAMTA Orientation to Adolescent Studies in January, 2016.

What year did you commence at MIC?
I commenced teaching at MIC in 2016. I also spent 11 years as a student at the College.

What’s your favourite thing about your role?
Being able to inspire students to enjoy and explore the incredible worlds of mathematics and science.