Teaching in Montessori Classrooms

For 13 years, I was a lead teacher in elementary and adolescent Montessori classrooms. In every school I was also integrally involved in parent education programs, curriculum alignment, and program development, introducing new and robust elements such as mentorships and ceremonies. As always, the essential principles guided my work and their power became more and more evident to me as the years passed.

Today I enjoy working with both new and experienced guides as they deepen their own engagement with Montessori practice, learning to trust themselves in creating a powerful Montessori community with their children.

• Upper Elementary Guide (ages 9-12) – Wilton, Connecticut USA 
• Elementary Guide (ages 6-12) – White Salmon, WA USA 
• Adolescent Coordinator and Elementary Mentor (ages 6-15) – Casablanca, Morocco 
• Adolescent Coordinator and Guide (ages 12-15)- Wörgl, Austria 

Upper Elementary Guide (9-12)      Wilton, Connecticut     USA (2008-2012)

Where: The Montessori School, a large and well-established AMI-accredited Montessori school in Wilton, Connecticut  USA
What: Upper Elementary Guide for 23-25 children (ages 9-12)

I spent my first four years in Montessori as the lead guide in an Upper Elementary (age 9-12) environment. It was a time of great growth and experimentation early in my Montessori journey as I learned from and with my students and other Montessorians. From expanding the science program to aligning the curriculum with the Common Core to engaging my students in the process of improving the nature of their environment, I was determined to learn how to be a better Montessori guide, focusing on how to let the energy of the community grow and flow. It was here that I also first became acquainted with the nature of the adult community of a Montessori school, and was deeply involved in community events such as Silent Journeys, Grandparent Days, New Parent Orientation, Lesson Presentation Nights, and much more .

Review

-I will never forget the first time I met Allison. She was in a small cafe in Kathmandu and I was in Connecticut as we spoke by phone in 2008. To my delight, she was applying for a job as Head Teacher in one of our Upper Elementary classrooms. Under the aegis of a job interview, a conversation of depth, principles and worldview ensued. I soon learned that, no matter the circumstances, this quality of character and practice is simply the way Allison lives in the world. As an educator, she has an extraordinary gift for balancing empathy and compassion with the rigors of scholarship and critical thinking. She is an incredible teacher. As a deep listener and astute observe of both children and adults, Allison has an intuitive gift for inspiring school communities and individuals. Her high expectations are grounded in an abundance of kindness, the best of Montessori and her uncompromising vision for human goodness and potential.   (Mary Zeman, Head of School)

Elementary Guide (6-12) – White Salmon, WA, USA (2013-2019)

Where: Little Oak Montessori School, a small Montessori school in White Salmon, Washington
What: Elementary Guide for 25-29 children (ages 6-12)

My six years at Little Oak Montessori School were a very special time of growing into my Montessori practice while leading a 6-12 class of 25-29 children. This powerful experience, joyfully spending my days with children spanning the entire developmental plane, revealed much to me about the power and strength of following the Montessori principles.

In this small school situated in a small town, ours was the only elementary classroom in the only Montessori school. Consequently, I was able to implement full, uninterrupted work cycles and observe the transformations that emerged. I learned how to get out of the way and let the community of students tap into its own agency and strength, and was regularly in awe of the emotional wisdom and skill of the children. I learned a great deal about humility and trust and balance, when to stay back and when to step in. It was also important to me to offer a rigorous and joyfully challenging academic program for the students. I integrated Orton-Gillingham techniques to support the high number of children with learning disabilities. In working with both trained and untrained assistants, we learned how to always keep our focus on the children’s development while applying foundational Montessori principles. 

The parent education program was my responsibility and I enjoyed providing traditional Montessori programs such as Silent Journey, Lesson Night, Introduction to Montessori, Cosmic Education, etc. In addition, unique sessions on topics such as brain development, the nature of motivation, growth mindset, and functional independence fostered deeper parental engagement with the Montessori approach. The result was an enthusiastic, courageous and supportive community.

Review

-Allison Lide was instrumental in the development and success of the elementary program at Little Oak Montessori School during her tenure as our elementary lead guide. Her contributions reflected deep adherence to AMI Montessori principles through honoring each child as a self-directed learner, understanding and accommodating their unique learning styles, and challenging them appropriately. She not only laid the foundation for the program’s success but also fostered an environment where students could thrive as independent learners. Even after leaving the school five years ago, Allison’s ongoing consultation and support have been invaluable to the school, offering expertise and guidance on program enhancements, professional development support and fostering a strong sense of community among alumni.
(Lindee Lewitt, Head of School)

Adolescent Guide and Coordinator, and Elementary Mentor – Casablanca, Morocco   (2019-2022)

Where: Ecole Montessori Casablanca (EMC), a large urban Montessori school with toddler to adolescent programs

What: I originally began in a mentor role for new and experienced guides in the 6-12 Elementary environment of 39 students, focusing on strengthening Montessori practices such as storytelling, time management, lesson styles, follow-up work, classroom organization, and special program elements for 6th Year students.  During the pandemic, I taught ‘zoom school’ to elementary students for 4 months.

Later, I was tasked to design the new House of Youth Erdkinder program as an authentic adolescent Montessori program. Having received intensive direct training in the adolescent Montessori approach from Lesley Patrick (AMI trainer), I served as the first Adolescent Coordinator and Guide. In this capacity I developed adolescent program elements such as practical work, production and exchange, and work and study cycles, while also teaching math, science, English, geography, and history to the adolescents while coordinating the team of adults in the community.

Review:

-When I was first hired by Ecole Montessori Casablanca, I started learning about the House of Youth that was recently created and managed by Allison. She was the one in charge, with a whole program to guide. She had the responsibility to teach most of the subjects, manage the environment, create the program, guide the adolescents and report everything to the school; she was literally the engine of our adolescent environment.

While observing Allison, I instantly noticed her expertise in education; she has a natural way to transfer information in different ways. I used to learn more from her than from the Montessori lessons I  read. Allison provided valuable assistance in helping me gain a clear understanding of the objectives behind Maria Montessori’s educational methods. She guided me through Montessori pedagogy, providing valuable insights and encouraging a deep understanding of its principles and methods. Her expertise empowered me to create an engaging learning environment for all students. Allison’s dedication to her work and students is truly commendable. She is/was also a good listener, a great talker and a good friend who is always there to help. Allison’s passion for education shines through in every interaction I’ve had with her.  She has a gift for making learning enjoyable and impactful. Working alongside Allison has been a pleasure.   (Fadoua Assouli, EMC House of Youth team member and Arabic teacher)

-Allison has a remarkable ability to inspire and uplift others. Her positive energy and professional experience as a Montessori guide have made a world of difference to me. I’m incredibly grateful for her support.        (Fairouz Boumhaouss, EMC Elementary Guide) 

Adolescent Guide and Coordinator – Wörgl, Austria    (2022)

Where: Das Montessori Haus Wörgl : Erdkinderhof Kundl (Austria)
What: I took over mid-year as adolescent coordinator for an Erdkinder program that had strong Montessori structural elements (farm, production and exchange, etc) but was struggling as a community. I shepherded the community through emotionally challenging times while designing work and study cycles, teaching science, geography, and English, helping coordinate the team, and strengthening the bilingual aspect of the community.

Reviews

-Allison came to our school at a difficult time, but in a short time managed to gain the trust of the young people and create a positive, calm atmosphere. Her personal questions are sincere and her warm, benevolent nature makes it easy to trust her. As a colleague, I have always found her prepared and full of ideas.

She recognizes where and who needs support and is able to clearly overview situations and set the right priorities. She is a professional and human asset to any organization. Allison was one of the most endearing colleagues I have had in 40 years of professional life.
(Arno Pechhacker, Erdkinderhof team member and math teacher)

 –Allison was part of our team for one term and held the position of program coordinator. Not only does she have excellent knowledge and understanding of Montessori theory for the Third Plane, but also knows how to put the theory into practice. Allison is a wonderful adolescent guide with regards to supporting the students in their academic as well as in their personal processes. Her clarity paired with her warmth and empathic attitude was appreciated by her colleagues and students alike.
(Veronika Schweinester, Head of School)