I decided to attend MTCNE because of its proximity to my location in Connecticut. There is also an ongoing relationship between MTCNE and the school where I am employed as an elementary guide, CREC Montessori Magnet School. I decided on AMI Montessori Training because I wanted the highest quality instruction to help me develop as a Montessori guide. One word I would use to describe myself is tenacious. When I set my mind on a goal, I will accomplish it. I am persistent in my personal goals as well as my commitment to be the best Montessori guide I can be with the tools and knowledge I have at the current moment. I am constantly trying to improve myself and my teaching. I graduated from the Elementary course in June, and I have already begun to pursue my master’s degree.

My AMI training changed me a great deal. I was able to experience education in a way that I wish I was able to as a child. Additionally, I view the world and my classroom differently, with more patience and understanding than I did before taking the training. I find myself observing children’s actions and their interactions with others even while I am outside of the classroom.

The atmosphere at MTCNE is one of constant learning, improvement, and guidance. There are constant explorations and investigations occurring not only among the students in cohorts, but also among staff. If Lisbeth did not know the answer to something, she would make sure to find out for us. Similarly, we also knew she was constantly trying to improve her own instruction and course, as we were her pioneers. This created an atmosphere of flexibility, understanding, and inclusivity of all learning styles and creativity.

Lisbeth had a great influence on my time at MTCNE. I could always count on her as a calming presence and as a guide for my own Montessori experience. Lis created a safe space for all individuals in our cohort to be ourselves and to truly experience the Montessori elementary curriculum without inhibition. She encouraged us to be creative and enjoy the lessons we were experiencing and giving. We were given the freedom to explore our own inner elementary child. This created a rich learning environment where I could allow myself to pursue topics and explore connections between lessons while collaborating with my classmates. This would not have been possible without Lisbeth, and has left a lasting impression on me. My relationship with peers and classmates was incredible. We all know completing the training course can be an arduous and stressful task. However, the camaraderie my cohort established was truly inspiring. We worked together to complete unique and insightful study guides for the written and oral exams, as well as an unforgettable song medley for our graduation. My classmates enriched my experience at MTCNE, and I will forever be grateful for the bonds we created.

My favorite thing about being an MTCNE alumni is the ability to participate in further educational opportunities to help my own development as a guide, such as supporting the oral exams for other courses as a child and attending conferences.

My most fun memory at MTCNE would be the programming of our graduation. This was truly a celebration of the hard work and hours of studying I had put into this course. It was a bittersweet moment, however. I was relieved to have passed the exams, however I knew I would miss the camaraderie between our cohort and with Lisbeth. As a cohort, we were able to take a moment and reflect on the past year, and in a very Montessorian way, sing our way through the different theoretical concepts we studied.