Letter from the IMC Executive Director By Kathy Leitch

Dear IMC Members...

Greetings to you and the new year!

As we launch 2022, we have a gift and an opportunity! What are your hopes and dreams for yourself, your family, your school community…and all of humanity? Progress begins with big dreams followed by small and intentional steps in the direction of our dreams.

One of the remarkable things about the school year cycle is that we have this unique opportunity to have two “new years.” First, the beginning of each school year provides us the chance to begin anew. Second, the new calendar year follows at the halfway mark of our school year with another opportunity to reset and renew our intentions.

Our IMC mission of “Unifying a worldwide network of Montessorians dedicated to nurturing the human spirit of those seeking a peaceful world through the education of children using the Montessori method” continues to be our dream. Consistently reviewing this mission and understanding how we can move in that direction with purpose, passion, and vision is our work.

Moving in that direction, our intentions for 2022 include:

1. Strengthening our governance, finance, and internal systems to ensure sustainable growth.

2. Developing an array of meaningful and responsive services aligned with our core values to attract, retain and serve our membership.

3. Leading educational innovation with a unifying voice and creating strategic alliances to impact education, families, and Montessori worldwide positively.

4. Embracing inclusivity, seeking to understand and embody the principles and practices of social justice, restorative practice, and conflict resolution, encouraging Montessori’s vision of peace throughout the world.

Throughout 2022 we will share our progress with you and invite your participation. Our IMC board, staff, and community members will continue to work together to create a better future for the children of the world. With so many opportunities to participate, consider writing an article, submitting school, faculty, and student photos and stories, serve on a task force, support our social justice work or volunteer at our annual conference. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or want to participate in this essential work.

This issue of Montessori Leadership provides rich content for you, our IMC Montessori school leaders and educators. Consider Tim Seldin’s article, “World-class Montessori Schools: A Commitment to Excellence,” as he shares ten principles to embrace while envisioning your school’s future path. Take time to question the status quo as you read Dr. Cindy Acker’s “Preparing for Black History Month: A candid conversation with three Montessori Guides of Color”. Get to know the people of color in your school community… staff, students, and families. Be curious and learn about their history, culture, and experience at your school. Although the month of February is designated as Black History Month, we have a responsibility to recognize that Black history is American history and as such be fully integrated into our curriculum throughout the year. Additionally, we have the opportunity for deep reflection with two important essays, “Liberty and the Common Good” by Andrew Kutt and Nirvair Khalsa’s “A Montessorian and a Braver Angel”.

So, pour a cup of tea, read an article or two, go for a walk, dwell in nature, create silence, and appreciate your family and friends. Reassessing where we’ve been and where we are going can provide clarity, peace, and optimism for the future.

As Dr. Montessori reminded us, “Within the child lies the fate of the future.”

We at IMC wish you a happy and healthy 2022!

With purpose, passion, and vision,

Kathy Leitch, Executive Director International Montessori Council