I Did It!!

I successfully completed my Montessori Teacher Training Course!

I learned so much in the process of taking this course - and not just about the Montessori method, but also about myself as well.

For years I blamed my mediocre grades on my inability to retain information for a long periods of time and because I was too shy to ask questions. While both of those things are true to an extent, I knew deep down that it was really just a bunch of bologna. Truth is, I was always a "lazy learner". I lacked motivation and support. My parents were always very lax about my education and never made a big deal out of grades or homework. Twice during my childhood my parents were urged to move me up a grade because teachers felt I wasn't being challenged enough. They decided against it for social reasons. I don't blame them for my actions (or lack thereof), but I do think their attitude affected my views on school.

Anyway, I was a bit nervous about taking this course because I wondered if I had the ability - and time! - to be successful and to follow through with it. I decided to go for it because the Montessori method is something that I truly believe in (my motivation) and because Paul, my loving husband, was positive I would succeed (my support).

Turns out that's all I needed!

I haven't seen a report card with this many A's (that had my name on it) in years!

Another thing I learned is that I can no longer consider myself one of those people who doesn't finish what they start. This is HUGE for me as it was something I had struggled with all my life. This past year has been filled with things I started AND finished. Hooray for personal growth!

Now, what am I going to do with my new-found knowledge and this diploma? Well, as I mentioned in this post, for the moment I plan on using it to teach James and any future children we may have. Paul and I have made the very exciting decision to homeschool indefinitely (more about that in a separate post). In the long term, it's a hope of mine that I'll someday open my own Montessori school. A much respected Bermudian approached me about opening up a school here. He was willing to back the endeavor (a necessary thing in order to start business in Bermuda) and while his confidence in me was certainly flattering, I declined the offer. For the time being I really want to focus on my family.

The folks at the North American Montessori Center (NAMC) have in no way asked me to do this, but since I'm all about sharing with you the good things I come across, I must recommend NAMC's 3-6 course. I had such a positive experience with their program and I was so impressed with their professionalism and high quality materials.

That said, however, I realize an online training course isn't the most ideal way to learn how to teach Montessori, but at the moment I am... geographically challenged :) and had no other choice. I'm thankful I have Montessori materials in my possession so I could actually touch and see what my manuals were teaching me. I would LOVE to take the full, hands-on training course someday.

Finally, I just want to say THANK YOU...
First to my wonderful husband for all his words of encouragement and praise, and for graciously giving me the time and space I needed during my many, many hours of studying. You are one of kind, my love.

Thanks also to my lovely NAMC tutor, Collean, who was extremely kind and helpful and always took the time to give me meaningful and encouraging feedback.

Lastly I want to thank my bloggy friends for their support! Many of you reached out to me throughout the past several months to inquire about my progress and to wish me well. I was always so moved by this and it did everything to solidify my belief that real friendships can be created online.

Now to celebrate!

~Thank you for your comments!~