On April 14, 2023 a cohort of high school students from New Berlin took a tour of Maryland Avenue Montessori School and spent some time observing in our classrooms.  This group of students are aspiring educators taking part  in a dual-enrollment course, “Future Teachers,”  in which they are earning high school credit and college credit in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.

Since their program and experiences are focused on more traditional streams of education, their lead teacher, Ms. Santiago, reached out to us to see if her students could come in and see a “Montessori school in action.”  Ms. Jenni was happy to fulfill this request.

Ms. Santiago’s students listened attentively on the tour, asked really great questions and seemed to enjoy their time at MAM.

A few weeks later a wonderful note landed in our mailbox – with each student and their teacher expressing their gratitude.

“Thank you so much for giving us an experience at your school.  It was so cool, just getting to see how different it is from normal elementary schools.”  –

“Thank you so much for giving us this incredible experience! I was SO moved.”

“Thank you for inviting us to your beautiful school. I was truly amazed by how independent and quiet the kindergarteners were. The visit really opened my eyes to different teaching and learning styles.”

“It was very interesting to be able to compare elementary schools in our community to a Montessori school.”

“Thank you for allowing me to observe.  I found it to be very eye-opening and such a great opportunity.”

“Thank you so much for having us! I found your school to be so interesting and was something I had never seen before!”

“Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to see this form of teaching and learning. I won’t forget this!”

“Thank you for sharing your school with us. The trip was a great, new experience.”

“Jenni & staff – you made a hugely positive impact and impression on our FUTURE TEACHERS! Thank you!!” – Ms. Santiago

We look forward to meeting more aspiring educators in the future (never missing our chance to maybe turn someone’s gaze toward becoming a Montessori trained educator)!