Kathryn Jasinski shares a brief history of her life experiences that led her to Montessori education.
My Montessori journey began as a freshman at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana. I really just fell into Montessori. During my first months at college, I discovered a Montessori classroom on campus, which included a Montessori teacher training course. I seemed to be at the right place at the right time. The college had no early education or Montessori education major, so I continued my Home Economics studies along with the Montessori studies. I had the luxury of spending four years in the Montessori classroom under a great Montessori mentor teacher. I also had a one year student teaching experience during those college years. As I finished my undergraduate program and Montessori training, I was encouraged by my mentor teacher to go to Ireland to take the Montessori elementary training and the Montessori special needs training at Sion Hill Montessori College at Backrock in Dublin, which I did. The rest appears to be history.
I have been fortunate to have worked under great Montessori mentors some of who themselves worked with Maria and Mario Montessori. I have completed two master degrees. My first masters was in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in Montessori Elementary Education from Cleveland State University in Cleveland, OH. This program was a pioneer program in the U.S. My second masters from St. Mary-of-the-Woods was in Earth Literacy, an excellent companion to our Montessori Elementary Cosmic Education. I also hold a state teaching license in Elementary Education for grades 1-5. I have benefited from a variety of Montessori colleagues and Montessori experiences I have encountered around the world.
I find Montessori work to be so important. Amid daily worldwide crisis, Montessori provides a guiding light for peace and harmony as a possibility for the future. In Montessori, we have a rich history to build upon, yet every day is different with the interests and opportunities the children bring to us in the classroom. I enjoy planning and preparing for the Montessori work in the classroom with the children, families, and the MSLF Community.
Recently, I have become a great-aunt and enjoy my new role in the family. I enjoy reading, embroidery, garden work, traveling, and caring for my parents.
— Kathryn Jasinski, January 2015
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