Maggie Paulin

Where do you live? Seattle, Washington

What experiences do you have in educational settings (Montessori or other)?

I attended Montessori school in middle school and immediately knew I'd stumbled into something spectacular. That experience ignited a lifelong passion for Montessori education, first leading me to support a close friend in opening a Montessori school for her community in Guatemala, and then to Wildflower, where I've had the opportunity to support school startups in many different contexts. I hold an AMI Primary Certification from Instituto Paolini in Puebla, Mexico, and a NAMTA Adolescent Certification from the training center in Hershey, PA.

What do you love about being an Operations Guide? I love getting to know each Teacher Leader's unique vision, and learning more about their community, context, and sense of purpose. Watching that vision take shape in their school plan and grow stronger and more refined over time is a joy.

What drew you to Wildflower?

I began as a Montessori guide and always believed in the limitless potential of educators to effect change in their community. I was drawn to Wildflower by the promise of Teacher Leadership, the opportunities of entrepreneurship, and bringing Montessori principles to life through our work with adults. It seemed like the perfect place to bring all of my passions together in one job, and I've loved every part of it since.

What is your favorite Montessori material and why?

Every Montessori material is steeped in genius, to me, but I especially loved working with the Racks and Tubes. I was constantly amazed by how Montessori was able to capture such seemingly abstract concepts (at least in the way I originally learned math) through such a brilliant, physical material and process.

Fun fact: Like Maya, I lived abroad in Guatemala where I became fluent in Spanish!