Year 3 Elementary Ed teacher candidates visit local Montessori school

June 24, 2025

As part of the Purdue College of Education’s innovative teacher preparation curriculum, which stresses increased classroom time for every semester of the program, Year 3 teacher candidates (TCs) learn about different educational approaches by visiting and working in non-traditional classrooms.

A group of elementary education students standing on the front steps outside of the Montessori School of Greater Lafayette. — *Year 3 elementary education students took a field trip to the Montessori School of Greater Lafayette* *on April 22. (All photos provided)*

During the spring semester, 10 K-2 and four 3rd-6th elementary education teacher candidates took separate field trips to the Montessori School of Greater Lafayette (MSGL) to do just that.

“Montessori education fosters a child-centered environment where independence, curiosity, and personalized learning thrive,” said Hannah Martin, executive director of MSGL. “In contrast to more conventional educational settings, Montessori classrooms emphasize self-directed exploration and holistic development, nurturing each child’s unique potential.”

Lead teacher Darcy Keegan met with the TCs and provided an introduction to Montessori education. Then she paired each TC with an elementary student from grades 1-3 and gave the elementary students an opportunity to explain their current projects and learning activities to the Purdue students.

Teacher Candidate student Ali Drews seated at a table next to a young student. In front of them is a variety of finger paints. — *Teacher Candidate student Ali Drewes listens to a student.*

Throughout the visit, the TCs moved around the classroom, engaging with different students and discussing their work.

Purdue student Jada Smith observed a young Montessori learner deeply engaged in an Animal Kingdom research project. The student proudly shared her work on the axolotl, an amphibian, using its scientific classification and a graphic organizer to gather and present key facts.

Teacher Candidate student Jada Smith seated on the floor with a young student. In front of them is a clipboard with a worksheet on the Animal Kingdom and an animal encyclopedia. — *Teacher Candidate Jada Smith listens as a young student explains her research project.*

Teacher candidate stuent Jordan Garrison seated with two young students. Laying on a table in front of them is a game to practice arithmetic. — *Teacher candidate Jordan Garrison watched students tackle long division using Test Tubes—a hands-on, concrete method that brings abstract math concepts to life.*

“This field trip gave Purdue teacher candidates meaningful insight into Montessori’s hands-on, individualized approach to learning,” said Fay Mentzer, clinical assistant professor of literacy and language education and organizer of the field trip.

Purdue student Maggie Bowes holding a snake.

Purdue students standing with a variety of class pets.

Purdue students Maggie Bowes (left photo) and Kyrsten Cooke (right photo, center) met the school’s pets.

Keegan introduced the Purdue students to Fang, the school’s resident snake, and two guinea pigs, which the TCs were able to interact with and hold.

“By observing students actively engaged in research and problem-solving, the candidates gained fresh perspectives and practical strategies to bring into their own classrooms—tools that will help them foster curiosity, independence, and critical thinking in their future students,” Mentzer said. “A big thank you to MGSL for inspiring the next generation of educators!”

Source: Fay Mentzer