7 Ways to Support Montessori Teachers as They Return to School (And Why It Matters More Than Ever)

Hannah Richardson
Aug 12
3 min read

The first weeks of school set the tone for the entire year. Here’s how Montessori leaders can support their guides with purpose, presence, and practical systems—and how Montessori Makers Group can help.

The quiet buzz of back-to-school season is beginning. But before the children arrive, Montessori guides are already returning—some with fresh energy, some with lingering fatigue, all carrying their hopes for a peaceful and purposeful year.

The question is: Are we welcoming them with as much care as we prepare the classroom shelves?

At Montessori Makers Group, we believe that the adult environment deserves just as much intentionality as the child’s. Here are seven key strategies to support Montessori teachers in creating a strong and sustainable start to the school year—along with tools and services we offer to help schools put these ideas into action.

1. Start with Human Connection

Before launching into handbooks or schedules, create space for reconnection. The first few days should nourish the person behind the role.

Ideas:

Begin with a community circle or story-sharing session.
Invite staff to reflect on their summer and set intentions for the year.
Share a meal or create a welcoming ritual.

We offer tailored back-to-school facilitation and team-building experiences to help schools build belonging from Day 1.

2. Reaffirm the Mission—Together

Montessori teachers thrive when they feel rooted in a shared purpose. Revisit your school’s mission as a team, and allow people to articulate what it means to them in practice.

Ask:

What does this mission look like in our classrooms?
What will it take to align our work with our values this year?
What’s one way I personally contribute to this mission?

Our Interview Design and Adult Culture courses help teams operationalize values into daily practice.

3. Ease, Don’t Overwhelm

Many orientation schedules are overloaded with information, leaving staff feeling exhausted before students even arrive.

Consider:

Spacing out new initiatives over the first month.
Building in classroom prep time daily.
Offering opt-in learning sessions to avoid one-size-fits-all fatigue.

Need help designing an adult re-entry plan that centers Montessori principles? We’ll work with your leadership team to map a practical and peaceful timeline.

4. Acknowledge What’s Already Working

Returning teachers don’t need a total reset. Invite them to name what’s going well and where they see potential for growth.

Try:

“What practices felt aligned and effective last year?”
“What would you like to keep, tweak, or release?”
“What do you wish more people understood about your role?”

Our trust-building workshops guide leaders in creating open, non-defensive feedback loops that support honest reflection.

5. Prioritize Adult Wellbeing

Montessori guides are highly attuned, emotionally present, and physically active all day long. Caring for the adult is essential for maintaining a prepared environment.

Support with:

A wellness corner or quiet prep room.
Flexible re-entry hours or mental health days.
Individual check-ins on energy, not just logistics.

Explore our Organizational Trust course to design supportive policies and staff culture systems grounded in Montessori values.

6. Build Systems of Support—Not Just Pep Talks

The return to school is just the beginning. To prevent burnout, schools need layered systems of ongoing support.

Examples:

Peer mentorship programs or cross-classroom buddies.
Monthly teacher-led PD sessions.
Structured time for lesson study or reflective practice.

We help schools implement long-term structures that sustain adult learning and protect the spirit of Montessori teaching.

7. Model Imperfect, Purposeful Leadership

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up—consistently, curiously, and with care.

Ask yourself:

Am I holding space for process, not just performance?
Have I expressed gratitude for staff showing up during this transition?
What do I need to feel grounded so I can offer that to others?

Our Leadership Coaching packages help Montessori Heads of School and administrative teams lead with clarity and compassion.

Ready to Make This Year Your Most Aligned Yet?

Montessori Makers Group partners with schools across the country to design environments—both adult and child-centered—that are rooted in values and built for sustainability.

Services that can help you support staff this fall: