Anna Robinson

(She/Her)
Early Childhood Resource Guide

I found Montessori by chance while pursuing a degree in Educational Theatre. Luckily for me, I had an opportunity to teach in a small Montessori school with a focus on outdoor learning. The classroom was both peaceful and purposefully busy, with children having the freedom to move about and make choices independently. I was amazed by the young children’s determination, focus, and curiosity in the Montessori environment. When we spent time outdoors in our green space, I witnessed dramatic play, gross and fine motor skill-building, sensory exploration, and risk-taking in a natural environment with limited human-made materials. Watching these very young people navigate both the Montessori and natural environments was profoundly inspiring. It awoke in me a great love for the early childhood age and the Montessori philosophy.

After completing my Master’s degree in Educational Theatre, I worked as a Montessori guide by morning and as a teaching artist, developing and directing original plays with upper elementary students in the afternoons. Two years into my journey as a teaching artist, the pull to the Montessori classroom felt stronger and stronger, and I chose to pursue my Montessori Certification in Early Childhood. After completing this certification, I moved to teach Montessori full-time at a school that included both Montessori and “Forest School” philosophies. Although not directly teaching theatre, I infuse my classroom with storytelling, movement, and social-emotional learning through dramatic play and the occasional puppet show.

I spent the past three years teaching Montessori Early Childhood and then moved into an administrative role as Head of School. Working closely with all the wonderful parents and supporting the teaching staff was a fantastic opportunity.

This past summer I completed a dual Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. I am thrilled to be able to bring these meaningful experiences with me to Catskill Montessori School and have the opportunity to grow my learning of Permaculture and my love of working as a Montessori Guide.