10 Things Every Montessori Teacher Wishes You Knew

We love partnering with families. Truly.

And while Montessori classrooms may look calm and effortless from the outside, a great deal of thought, observation, and intention goes into every part of the day.

Here are ten things Montessori teachers often wish families knew—not as rules, but as shared understanding.

1. Independence Takes Time

Learning to do things independently—emotionally, socially, physically—doesn’t happen overnight. We support it patiently, step by step.

2. Repetition Is Learning

When a child chooses the same work again and again, they’re not stuck—they’re building mastery.

3. The Whole Child Matters

We look beyond isolated milestones. Social confidence, emotional regulation, curiosity, and resilience matter just as much as academic skills.

4. There Are No Report Cards—On Purpose

Montessori doesn’t rely on grades or traditional report cards. Instead, we observe closely over time, noticing growth, effort, and understanding as it unfolds naturally.

5. Children Learn Through Real Work

Practical life activities—pouring, sweeping, preparing food—build focus, coordination, and confidence. This is meaningful learning, not “busy work.”

6. Struggle Is Not a Problem

When children encounter challenges, we don’t rush to fix them. Productive struggle builds problem-solvers who trust themselves.

7. Learning Isn’t Linear

Children grow in spurts. One area may leap ahead while another pauses—and that’s development working exactly as it should.

8. Comparison Clouds Growth

Every child’s timeline is different. Progress makes the most sense when we compare a child only to their earlier self.

9. We’re Playing the Long Game

Our goal isn’t early achievement—it’s to nurture lifelong learners who are adaptable, thoughtful, and ready for a changing world.

10. We’re On the Same Team

Families and teachers work best when we trust one another, communicate openly, and keep the child at the center of every decision.

A Final Thought

Montessori education is about more than what children know—it’s about who they are becoming.

When we keep the whole child in mind, honor the process, and focus on long-term growth, children develop the confidence and resilience they’ll carry far beyond the classroom.

Author Bio

Virginia Lozuke is the Head of School at Montessori Farm School in Durham, NC. She believes deeply in education that honors the whole child and prepares young learners for a thoughtful, ever-changing world.