Hello Fellow Investors of our Future,

My name is Jessica Vitale and my journey has brought me right here to this moment. My career in education has given me the opportunity to get glimpses into the variety of pedagogies and approaches that are in the field of education. After ten years in a traditional, public educational system, I chose to switch to a Montessori community. This changed my love of education into a deeper understanding about the role of education in shaping the future of humanity.

Maria Montessori said, "An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking; it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live." Starting at the public Montessori elementary school, I was out of my element as a Special Education/Behavior Support Specialist, but I was ready and willing to learn and grow. Little did I know at the time, this role would shape my life in such beautiful ways. Through the Montessori pedagogy, I was able to see each child for who they were and the potential of who they could become. I was focusing on their strengths and used my creativity to take that strength to enhance their educational experience daily.

Montessori focuses on the psychology of the child and their plane of human development. As the adult in a traditional educational system, the child sits, listens while the adult speaks and teaches. However, in the Montessori system, the child is the teacher and the teacher is the guide in which they observe the child and help mold their educational journey based on their strengths, human tendencies and needs. The three year cycle that students and teachers experience develops a relationship that is unlike any other. I serve my children and their families by holding them close and showing genuine and true compassion for their story and experience. I evolve everyday I go to work and do so joyfully, and with an open mind and an open heart.

So, as I continue enhancing my skills in obtaining my Montessori AMI certification for ages 6-12. I humbly ask my donors to financially support me in my training. I have received support from my Montessori sponsor school in providing funding for my first year of this program. I have also been the scholarship recipient of the Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson Fund, which supports Montessorians in training. However, I still have my second year to go and the travel expenses needed to the in-person sessions. All of your donations are going toward my tuition and room and board.

Thank you for your support will help keep me in this program in order to continue my work in education for future generations to come.