The Invisible Labor of Teaching | Montessori Prep, Side Hustles & Work-Life Balance

 

There is so much work in teaching that no one ever sees.

In this vlog, I take you behind the scenes of real teacher life — from researching the perfect Montessori practical life clothing rack (no plastic, no cutesy aesthetics), to navigating the invisible labor of preparation, to managing work-life balance outside the classroom. In this video I share:

• The research process behind creating a practical life hanging activity

• Why Montessori aesthetics take more time than people realize

• The emotional labor teachers carry quietly

• Running into parents outside of school (and why I keep boundaries)

• Reselling systems for eBay & Poshmark

• Car clutter = mental bandwidth?

• Weight training week 18 update

• Building side income while still teaching

• Trying new places (Rebel Surf Company)

 • Creating a “puzzle station” for work-life balance

This year has quietly become my year of trying new things — and protecting my sustainability while still fully showing up for my classroom.

If you’re a teacher navigating invisible labor, aesthetic standards, side hustles, and trying to build a life outside of work… you’re not alone. ✨ I write more deeply about Montessori leadership and teacher sustainability on Substack: 👉 https://creativityandwonder.substack....

Are you needing some support with how to structure your classroom? As a Montessori teacher, I understand that feeling of overwhelm! I have created a detailed lesson plan to 'hold your hand' through each day.  These lesson plans can either be used to jump start how to create the rhythm of the classroom (monthly) or I have a full year plan that can then be used for a 3 year cycle.

Montessori Daily Lesson Plans 

Montessori INSPIRED Lesson Plans 

 

LOOKING FOR ART LESSONS FEATURING DIFFERENT ARTISTS? 

Link to my FREEBIES

Ask a Montessori Teacher: Should I Use the Pink, Blue, and Green Language System?

 

One of the questions I’m asked most often — especially by newer Montessori teachers — is about language progression.

Specifically: Should I be using the pink, blue, and green system?
And if so, how strictly?

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This question usually comes with a deeper concern that isn’t always spoken out loud:
“Am I doing Montessori the right way?”

Where this system comes from

If you trained through an AMS program, you are likely very familiar with the pink, blue, and green language sequence.

• Pink focuses on phonetic, CVC words

• Blue introduces blends, digraphs, and more complex phonics

• Green moves into irregular and challenging words that don’t follow simple patterns

It’s a clean, orderly progression, and for many children, it works beautifully. Once a child has mastered one level, they move on to the next. There is clarity — and clarity matters, especially when you’re learning to guide language work for the first time.

Why teachers are drawn to it

There is something reassuring about a system that feels complete.

When you’re new to Montessori, or returning to the classroom after time away, the pink, blue, and green sequence offers a sense of confidence: I know where to start, and I know what comes next.

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Are you needing some support with how to structure your classroom? As a Montessori teacher, I understand that feeling of overwhelm! I have created a detailed lesson plan to 'hold your hand' through each day.  These lesson plans can either be used to jump start how to create the rhythm of the classroom (monthly) or I have a full year plan that can then be used for a 3 year cycle.

Montessori Daily Lesson Plans 

Montessori INSPIRED Lesson Plans 

 

LOOKING FOR ART LESSONS FEATURING DIFFERENT ARTISTS? 

Link to my FREEBIES

 

 

A Day in the Life of a Montessori Teacher | Observations, Burnout & Choosing Balance

 

Today I’m sharing a very real look at life inside — and outside — my Montessori classroom.

From laminating alphabet materials at home before work… to navigating constant observations… to recalibrating my expectations as a lead teacher… to choosing joy on a scheduled day off.

This year has stretched me. I talk honestly about:

 Teaching uppercase vs. lowercase in Montessori

Working under frequent corporate observation

Managing a two-year contract

Carrying the invisible load of lead teaching

Resetting my expectations of assistant support

Why I’m building work-life balance on purpose

How faith anchors me in hard seasons

Why I’m experimenting with 4-day weeks

And then… I take a day off.

Coffee with a long-time friend. Taxes. Reselling. Substack writing. Cooking. A Valentine’s weekend.

Because if we don’t intentionally build a life outside the classroom… teaching will consume it. If you are a teacher navigating pressure, leadership tension, or burnout — you are not alone.

✨ I also share about my Substack where I’m writing more deeply about Montessori leadership and sustainability in teaching: 👉 https://creativityandwonder.substack....

⏱️ TimestampsAre you needing some support with how to structure your classroom? As a Montessori teacher, I understand that feeling of overwhelm! I have created a detailed lesson plan to 'hold your hand' through each day.  These lesson plans can either be used to jump start how to create the rhythm of the classroom (monthly) or I have a full year plan that can then be used for a 3 year cycle.

Montessori Daily Lesson Plans 

Montessori INSPIRED Lesson Plans 

 

LOOKING FOR ART LESSONS FEATURING DIFFERENT ARTISTS? 

Link to my FREEBIES