How my journey began

My name is Merike Safka and I have been part of the Montessori community, in one capacity or another, for nearly 20 years.  Dr. Montessori is a great inspiration and her work has changed my life. I am in awe of the depth of her observation skills and the depth of her knowledge which she applied to form the theory and develop the materials we have now used for over a century with great success.  I am also forever grateful for both of my trainers Dr. Rita Zener and Dr. Kay Baker who tirelessly answered my endless questions and explained all of the nuances of being a Montessori teacher.  After 20 years of practice, I feel that it is now time for me to give back.

I found Montessori (a school and a method) in September of 2000 and never looked back.  I immediately enrolled my 3-year-old son in the primary program and applied for a job as an assistant.  In 3-years’ time I had earned my AMI primary teacher certificate and began working as the primary guide.  I had the pleasure of guiding around 25-33 primary aged girls and boys annually during the next 10 years and witnessed the explosion into writing and reading of many children every year. After my own children had moved up to the elementary classroom, as well as many of my students, I grew very curious about the elementary program. How did Dr. Montessori proceed with this amazing method in higher levels of learning?  I applied for the AMI elementary training course in La Jolla, California and this is my 6th year as the elementary guide in a 6-12 aged classroom.  My class size has grown from 20 to 30 during the past 6 years and I absolutely love my job. 

Being a Montessori teacher has given a deeper meaning to my life that I could ever have hoped.  I enjoy every part of my job and delight in interacting with children; learning something new every day keeps it fresh.  I have found that the challenges you face in the classroom tend to be overshadowed by the successes you observe.  I would love to share the excitement that I feel about this method with interested parents, students, and Montessori guides, as well.

Warm regards,

Merike