The Montessori model emphasizes empathy, taking the perspective of another, and working through conflicts with peers and even with adults. Our guides act as models for abundant grace and justice for each person in their classroom community. This work is time-consuming and deep, and it pays off. Research by Dr. Angeline Lillard indicates that Montessori students are more invested in “justice and fairness” and they also regulate emotions in a positive way. 

That’s absolutely, positively wonderful. And, by other measures, it is just not enough. No matter how often our guides help foster a sense of justice or help students work through conflict or even study peace and how to bring it about in the world, the guides, our students, and our school exist within a racist culture. 

Individual lessons cannot, alone, end the systemic hold of racism in our world. Peace education, provided by people who are mostly white and female, misses the mark, unless it is also actively trained and tuned into anti-bias, anti-racist, and inclusion awareness and practices. 

That is why the faculty and staff at Stepping Stones Montessori School would love and appreciate Anti-Bias, Anti-Racism (“ABAR”) training. 

Would you be willing to help us fund An Introduction to Anti-Bias Education with Britt Hawthorne, an ABAR instructor and Montessorian? For $3,000 every member of our staff can take this training. If every classroom contributes $375, we have met our goal for the staff. 

This year has been profoundly weighty in so many ways. In the midst of voices declaring Black Lives Matter, in the midst of a pandemic, and in the midst of violence in communities across the United States, Stepping Stones has faced decreased tuition revenue and increased expenses. 

We have asked a lot of our community. We have asked even more of our guides and staff. Will you help us give them the gift of learning in return?