Faculty Spotlight on Meg Johnson

"I was inspired by Loyola and the Jesuit education because it immediately felt inclusive and welcoming. Part of Loyola's mission is to inspire and develop the whole person."

Meet Meg Johnson ('23), who recently graduated with their M.Ed. in Montessori Education and immediately stepped into a teaching role for the program this Fall. Meg also holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and certification in the Infant/Toddler level.

Tell us about yourself; and what led you to Montessori education?

Over ten years ago, my dad was helping me look for a school for my then 2-year-old son, and suggested a Montessori school. The school offered me a summer job, and I have been in a Toddler classroom ever since! I received infant/toddler certification in 2019. I met my now wife at training, and we have a blended family with 3 kids and 10 pets. For fun, I've recently started playing rugby.

What are your professional goals?

I have reached one of my professional goals: becoming an affiliate professor for this program! I'm so grateful to be teaching the Child Growth and Development class that starts the foundation for progression through all the levels of Montessori education for children. I hope to continue teaching adult learners. I'm also striving to become a director of a school one day, and currently working on an MBA to learn the business side of a school.

What outcome(s) of your graduate program resonates in your post-graduation work?

I have found myself being able to speak within the Montessori community more. I also feel more confident sharing my ideas and challenging some of the "norms" that Montessori has had for a while now.

Is there a course, assignment, or faculty member who has had a lasting impact on your experience at Loyola?

I was at the 2022 Montessori Conference in Nashville and while walking around the exhibit hall, I met Carrie (Director of Montessori Education). She had so much heart for the program and Montessori philosophy, and her enthusiasm encouraged me to take a chance and apply. At the time, I had applied to be Director of the school I was at, and was turned down, so I wanted to get a master's, and thought, what better program than one concentrated in Montessori and early childhood education?

What’s one piece of advice you would give to others interested in this program?

If you are interested in the program at all, then GO FOR IT! I have learned so much and made connections with other Montessorians, around the country and the world, that I would have never been able to do without this program.