Guiding the Montessori Way

We were thrilled to welcome back Kira Donnelly, former Elementary and Middle School Coordinator, who visited us in her new role as an education consultant. Kira’s time at MST was marked by her passion for Montessori education, and since leaving, she has continued to make impactful contributions in the field. In this interview, we will explore her experiences at MST, learn about her journey since leaving, and discover what she was working on during her current visit.

MST Memories

What initially drew you to work at MST, and what was your role during your time here?

I went to high school in Japan and met my husband in Japan. I’ve been working at Montessori schools elsewhere and when the opportunity arose to start an adolescent programme in Japan, I was thrilled. I spent 4 years working at MST.

Can you share some of your most memorable moments or projects you worked on at MST?

I started Montessori Moments and I was happy to see that it is still continuing. During the first years of the adolescent programme at MST, we started an aquaponics system. Unfortunately the fish died and we had to take apart the whole system because the PH was off but the adolescents loved it and everybody had a very positive experience in spite of the failure. Aquaponics projects are notoriously difficult to carry out successfully so there is no aquaponics at MST anymore.

How do you think MST has changed since you left, both in terms of the school environment and Montessori education in general?

Grove Campus was still on the horizon when I left MST so having another campus is a big change. The adolescent programme feels strong and solid now. We were still working on it when I left.

After MST

After leaving MST, what were the next steps in your career?

I have been the Head of School at two different Montessori schools since then. Both had programmes from toddlers to adolescents, and I have been working on improving those.

How has your perspective on education evolved since you transitioned from MST to your subsequent roles?

I have developed a stronger appreciation for the complexity of a school which I didn’t have before. I’ve started to see schools as a living and breathing organism that has to evolve with time.

Could you share any key projects or initiatives you’ve been involved in that you're particularly proud of?

Diversity, equity and inclusion have been an ongoing project of mine. I’ve been involved in making schools more equitable places and breaking down systems to create a more inclusive environment. It sometimes takes a lot of time to break down the barriers but it’s rewarding.

There and Back Again

What brought you back to MST in this educational consulting role? 

James and I stayed connected after I left and supported each other as Heads of School. I was invited over by James and was thrilled. It has been so much fun to be back here.

Can you give us an overview of what you're focusing on during your consulting work at MST?

I’m helping to improve our Montessori practice and observing all teams within the school, discussing how to grow and develop these programmes.

How does it feel to return to MST in a different capacity? 

It’s been fun to see familiar faces. I’ve enjoyed seeing all classrooms and observing the amazing communities we have here.

High Fidelity

What’s next for you after this visit to MST?

I’m planning to come back once or twice to continue to support teachers at MST so that’s happening in the near future. Other than that, I might try consulting again.

Reflecting on your overall journey, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your career in education?

My own children went through Montessori education and it has been incredibly rewarding to see them living their lives in the best possible way, creating Montessori experiences for them. 

How have your experiences at MST shaped your approach to education and consulting?

I’ve borrowed ideas from my time at MST all the time in my other jobs. There were so many great ideas! For example, I loved the concert ideas and I use James’ report writing guidelines as my own reference.

As an educator and consultant, where do you see the future of Montessori education headed?

Montessori is over 100 years old and the things that Maria Montessori put in place are being proven by brain science and various studies to work. Montessori is poised to support learners of the future. It’s about human development and not just knowledge.

Do you have any advice for teachers and staff at MST or anyone interested in Montessori education based?

Trust the process. In high fidelity Montessori programmes, children are everything they’re meant to be so trust the child.