Think of someone in a leadership role that inspires and impresses you. Maybe a benevolent president, a motivating activist, or an inventive entrepreneur came to mind. While some are born leaders, like Martin Luther King Jr. or Stephen Hawking, it is not a talent you must possess from birth. Leadership is a skill that can be taught and developed.
Growing leaders is a primary focus of the Montessori method. The aim of producing individuals who can lead confidently and justly is not about creating the next famous inventor or a business owner. The true goal is to help you as a parent to raise people who demonstrate characteristics that bring a positive influence into their world.
In Montessori schools, for classes of all ages, leadership skills are a built-in part of complex lessons that assist in cultivating leadership qualities in students. Some well-known Montessori alumni include Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, NBA Champion Stephen Curry, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
While there are many definitions of what makes for a great leader, the Montessori method nurtures numerous leadership qualities that work toward the ultimate goal of the Montessori philosophy, educating the whole child.
Here are a handful of aspects of the Montessori method that inspires leadership qualities within our students:
An Absorbent Mindset
As human beings, it is in our nature to learn and evolve mentally. The Montessori method acknowledges that the human brain functions similarly to a sponge and so encourages endless discovery for students both separately and collaboratively.
In life after Montessori schooling and in the work field, leaders must be constantly developing their capacity to create the results, acquiring new and extending patterns of thought, and seeking results for the collective. Good leaders, as understood by Montessori education, work to keep their brains functioning like sponges, promoting ongoing personal and professional evolution.
An absorbent mindset produces students, and later members of society, with growth tools that allow them to successfully guide change.
Respect is Key
Respect is a central force of the Montessori philosophy. The Montessori method understands that respect is a key in leadership roles for several reasons, from interacting with others positively to making decisions with integrity and concern for the collective.
Our students develop the mastery and self-esteem to be great leaders when they receive the respect of their instructors, mentors, and classmates. All good leaders know that when they are abundant in their respect for others, that respect returns to them.
In a Montessori environment, we are sure to consult with our learners on the subject of respect. By encouraging open communication in which we respect their thoughts, students establish how they want to be treated, and what they consider respectful behavior. The emphasis on respect in the Montessori method sends a powerful message to our students; respect is a skill and a tool in our interaction with the world around us.
An Environment to Experiment
The Montessori classroom is a prepared environment where we supply students with materials and experiences, allowing for curiosity and independent learning. It is crucial to the growth of young leaders to allow them the freedom to experiment with ideas, materials, and technologies, encouraging them to try new things and make mistakes.
We promote trial and error with our students and make this practice commonplace. This method cultivates courageous leaders who can leave their comfort zones and turn apprehension or uncertainty into new chances for discovery.
The liberation of trial and error allows students to work together, motivate their classmates, and combine the strengths of the collective to create new methods or products.
Self-Guided Learning
Every student absorbs information differently, and our philosophy follows the belief that our students are self-taught. This method was studied, acknowledged, and encouraged by Dr. Maria Montessori and cemented into the Montessori approach.
Self-guided learning and active discovery allow young learners to figure out what learning style works for them and permits them to demonstrate understanding in a format that suits their thinking patterns. The Montessori classroom prioritizes innovation and inspires inquiry and experimentation with hands-on learning and physical materials.
The Montessori method inspires future leaders by giving students the chance to evolve in their way, encouraging respectful behavior, allowing for mistakes and discovery, and promoting the importance of an absorbent mind. At a Montessori school, your young learner will find a place to work on their leadership skills and feel supported on their journey.
The Montessori Charter School of Flagstaff was the first school in Arizona to have its application for a charter approved by the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools. We offer an academic program that identifies and encourages each child’s individual social and emotional development. Visit our blog to learn more about our method or reach out today to begin your journey with The Montessori Charter School of Flagstaff.