As Montessori educators, we are dedicated to the beautiful process of guiding children through their educational journeys. We have been trained to nurture and guide a child’s learning process. Our classrooms are sanctuaries of learning where each child is encouraged to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace. Ahhhh, blissful, isn’t it?
However, as school administrators we are also responsible for ensuring our schools are sustainable, financially viable, and well-managed. In essence, if we want to truly serve children, we also need to run a successful business. This is where our business training comes in handy. Oh wait, you didn’t get business training???
If you are like most Montessori school administrators, you likely did not get much formal education on how to run a business. Balancing these dual roles—educational leader and business administrator—can be challenging, but it is essential for the success of our schools and our children.
Understanding the Dual Role
Running a Montessori school is akin to walking a tightrope. On one side, there is a profound commitment to delivering a high-quality, child-centered education. On the other, there is the need to manage the school’s day-to-day operations, including finances, staffing, marketing, and facilities management. The challenge lies in ensuring that neither role overshadows the other and they co-exist peacefully. While the two roles may feel like opposing forces, they can actually support each other beautifully.
Adopting a mindset that integrates educational philosophy with sound business practices is essential to balance these responsibilities effectively. This doesn’t mean compromising on Montessori principles; instead, it means recognizing that running a school is running a business where financial stability, efficient operations, and strategic planning are all crucial to maintaining the environment where Montessori education can thrive.
Let’s discuss a few helpful concepts on business management and how they relate to Montessori schools.
Start with Why: Aligning Purpose with Practice
Business leadership expert, Simon Sinek, shares a concept that is particularly relevant in our situation – “Start with Why.” As Montessori administrators, our “why” is clear: to foster independent, curious learners capable of critical thinking and compassionate action. This purpose should guide every decision we make, both educational and administrative.
When we align our business practices with our educational mission, we create a cohesive environment where students and staff can flourish. For example, financial decisions should consider not only the bottom line but also how they impact the quality of education. When budgeting, prioritize spending on resources that directly support student learning, such as teacher training, classroom materials, and student services.
Essentialism: Focus on What Truly Matters
In his book “Essentialism,” business strategist, Greg McKeown, advocates for focusing on what truly matters and eliminating the non-essential. This principle can be applied to how we manage our schools. In the context of Montessori education, the essentials are clear: the child, the prepared environment, and the trained guide. Everything in our business should support these core elements.
Administrative tasks, while necessary, should be within the primary goal of educating children. Streamlining processes, delegating or eliminating non-essential tasks, and using technology to automate administrative functions can free up time for administrators to focus on what matters—ensuring that every child in the school receives the best possible education.
For example, consider using a comprehensive school management platform like Noorana to handle scheduling, communication, and data management. This reduces the administrative burden and redundancy so that the school’s operations run smoothly, allowing you to focus on educational leadership.
Level 5 Leadership: Leading with Humility and Will
Jim Collins, a renowned business management expert, teaches the concept of Level 5 Leadership. Level 5 Leadership combines humility with intense professional will, which is particularly relevant for Montessori administrators. As leaders, we must be willing to make tough decisions that balance educational needs with business realities. The reality is that if we don’t run a sustainable business, we will no longer be able to serve the children we care so deeply about. This might mean restructuring the school’s budget, re-evaluating staff roles, or making strategic decisions about growth and expansion.
However, authentic Montessori leadership also involves humility—acknowledging that we are stewards of a philosophy bigger than any one person or school. We lead not for personal glory or profit, but for the benefit of the children, the staff, and the community. This humility should guide our interactions with parents, staff, and students, fostering a culture of respect and collaboration.
The Hedgehog Concept: Focusing on What You Can Be Best At
Jim Collins also introduces the Hedgehog Concept, which suggests that organizations should focus on what they excel at, what drives their economic engine, and what they are deeply passionate about. For Montessori schools, this means focusing on providing the highest-quality Montessori education possible.
Your school’s economic engine is driven by tuition, fundraising, and possibly grants. However, what sets Montessori schools apart is the passion for educating children in a way that respects their individuality and nurtures their innate curiosity. Focusing on this core mission ensures that all business decisions—whether related to staffing, curriculum, or facilities—align with what you do best: educating children in the Montessori way.
Implementing a Balanced Approach
- Prioritize Professional Development:
- Invest in ongoing professional development for yourself and your staff. This will improve the quality of education for your students and help retain talented educators, which is crucial for the school’s success. Also, consider taking business or leadership classes that can help you better understand and manage the administrative side of your school.
- Focus on the Essentials:
- Review your administrative practices with the filter of how “does this task support the child’s growth?” Apply the principles of Essentialism by focusing on the tasks and initiatives that directly impact student outcomes and school sustainability. Delegate or eliminate non-essential tasks.
- Streamline Administrative Processes:
- Do you have redundancy in any of your practices or can you simplify practices? Consider using technology to automate routine tasks and reduce administrative overhead. These efforts will allow you to focus more on educational leadership and less on paperwork.
- Strategic Planning:
- Develop a strategic plan that aligns your educational mission with your business goals. If you are not sure where to start with this or would like expert assistance, consider working with a business management consultant or business coach. Once you have your plan in place, review it regularly and adjust as needed to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
- Engage Your Community:
- Build strong relationships with parents and the broader community. Parents are one of your key stakeholders and keeping them involved is vital to client satisfaction, retention, and referrals. Transparent communication with parents about the school’s business and educational goals fosters trust and support.
Embracing the dual role
Running a Montessori school requires an educator’s heart and a business leader’s mind. By balancing these roles and integrating sound business practices with Montessori principles, you can create a thriving educational environment that serves the students and the broader community.
Remember, the goal is to manage a school and lead an institution that fosters lifelong learning, creativity, and independence. By embracing the dual role of educator and business administrator, you ensure that your Montessori school survives and thrives, providing generations of children with the educational foundation they need to succeed.
If you found this information valuable, please share it with your colleagues. Follow noorana online and on Facebook and LinkedIn to learn more about how we simplify your workflow and help you work less and connect more.