Student Spotlight on Liz Haff, MEd '26

As the semester pulls to a close, we are celebrating our flagship cohorts of Loyola's Credit for Prior Learning pathway! This month we hear from current student Liz Haff.

Hailing from Long Island, New York, Liz attended SUNY at Binghamton in New York for a bachelor’s degree in English and General Literature. She earned her Early Childhood Diploma in 1981, and later achieved her elementary licensure in Maryland. After  25 years in Carroll County Public Schools, Liz currently teaches at Greensboro Montessori School in NC, where she lives with her husband and rescue dog.

Liz's journey to Montessori Education

I decided to earn a Montessori Diploma through the University of Puget Sound in Washington State when I found out my first baby was going to be born! I worked in three Montessori Schools while my other 2 children were born. All my children went to Montessori Schools.  Then as they grew, I went back to college to get my elementary teaching credentials in Maryland. I also earned my master's in Curriculum and Instruction. I taught for 25 years in Carroll County Public Schools. I was very influenced by Live Event Learning which encouraged me to work with students on projects. We delivered a musical, I directed a talent show for 10 years, we fundraised for natural disasters, and I ran a school store. I loved my career, but I began to miss Montessori more and more. So, after 25 years, I retired from Carroll County and looked for a Montessori School near my daughter who lives in Charlotte, NC. I found two I really liked, but I also fell in love with Greensboro, NC. I moved here three years ago and began teaching in Greensboro Montessori School. At first, I loved it, but I began to realize I had questions. I was surprised because I thought with all my experience, I would know it all. But....I wondered about regulation, and what was fair to expect from 3–5-year-olds. I wondered about how to meet each child authentically.

What brought Liz to Loyola

I realized, though I had lots of expertise, I felt I didn’t really understand the early childhood aspect of teaching. I love the Montessori perspective and explored the Loyola program. 

The Loyola Impact

I found this graduate program has answered a lot of my questions. Through my study, and reflection, I now meet children more authentically. I don't try to solve their problems, but I offer experiences and work that seems to be appealing to them. I already see an amazing difference in my teaching. Whereas before, I felt I had all the answers, now I let the children take the lead and respond. Some of my favorite outcomes so far are 1) creating an intentional learning community, which is what a Montessori classroom is, and 2) inclusive practices, which for me means broadening the welcome for many different kinds of learners. For example, I currently have a child with a lot of dysregulation. He has been diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. Whereas before, I might have focused more on what is wrong with his behavior, now I look at what bridges can I build to help him engage and learn in our class.

Advice for others considering the program

Go for it! Education is the key to growth and understanding regardless of your age. I am 67!