Allie West

Hello, my name is Allie West. This is my third year as a teacher and member of the Primavera Community. I was born and raised in Austin and have resided here most of my life, except when I moved to Boulder, Colorado to study at Naropa University, and for a short time in Pahoa, Hawaii, where I became certified in herbal medicine. Both experiences were extremely enriching, mind-expanding, and life-altering. While at Naropa, I got my degree in Religious Studies, and a double minor in Psychology (with a focus on health and healing) and Early Childhood Education. While studying ECE at Naropa, I was introduced to the philosophies of Montessori and Waldorf education. It was here that I learned for the first time the beauty and benefits of Montessori Education.

I began my work with children when I was 18 years old, as a substitute teacher at various schools around Austin, and then in Boulder I worked as a nanny for two wonderful families. I have always had a calling to be with and work with children, and have always followed this calling. After moving back to Austin, I dabbled in other various jobs, such as food service, and a few nanny jobs. It wasn't until I came to Primavera that I finally felt truly at home in my working environment. A good friend of mine was already teaching here, and she suggested I called Primavera about being a substitute. So I did, and after subbing only twice, I was offered a full-time position as a Creativity Club Guide, and Support Guide to the Primary II classroom. It was meant to be!! After a year in this position, Jennifer Phillips of Primary II asked me if I would be her Assistant Guide/partner, and without hesitation I said YES! A million times YES! I continue every day to be inspired by this woman's passion and creativity. In the last year in a half, my love for Primavera has deepened, my calling to be a teacher has been more defined, and my connection and passion to the children I work with has continued to fulfill my purpose in life. I plan to go for my Montessori teacher training in the next year.

What I really admire and respect about Primavera is our TRUE dedication to creating a peaceful community, and therefore a more peaceful world. In a time on our planet which is filled with so much strife, I can think of no other work more important and meaningful than teaching and guiding our children to be compassionate, peaceful, kind, creative, loving, and confident beings, and I can think of no better place to create this reality than at Primavera Montessori School. After all, Maria Montessori herself said, "Within the child lies the fate of the future." I am blessed each day to hear children's laughter and witness their joyful, simple, and spontaneous natures. I am honored to be able to inspire and help children grow into their full potential as human beings, and to be surrounded by men and women who are dedicated to a common and worthy goal such as ours…to continue to carry on the legacy of Montessori's dream of peaceful education and a peaceful world!

“One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child."..…Maria Montessori