Community Power: Revitalizing Schools through Montessori | Ana María García Blanco | Founder of Instituto Nueva Escuela | Season 4 Ep. 7 | #75
Description
In this episode, I sat down with Ana María García Blanco, a trailblazer in Montessori education reform in Puerto Rico. We delve into her journey from her time at Harvard to her relentless commitment to transforming deteriorating public schools in Puerto Rico. She highlights the stark contrasts between Montessori and traditional schooling, with a focus on the former's emphasis on child-led learning, independence, and the development of critical thinking skills. We then discuss the transformative power of community involvement in education, highlighting successful strategies such as door-to-door meetings, involving parents in school governance, and fostering a sense of collective purpose. This episode provides a detailed exploration of the challenges and triumphs of implementing the Montessori method in public schools and the broader implications for education reform. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!