Laurie Laird is a dedicated and passionate Montessori educator with over 25 years of experience nurturing the growth and development of young children through the Montessori philosophy. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Laurie has spent the majority of her career at The Campus Laboratory School of Carlow University, where she currently serves as the Head Teacher for the Montessori 3–6 year old classroom.

Laurie’s journey in education began with a B.A. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Point Park University, followed by a Certificate in Montessori Early Childhood Education from Montessori Centre International in London. Her deep understanding of Montessori principles, combined with her commitment to child-centered learning, has made her a respected leader in the field.
In her role as Head Teacher since 2005, Laurie has developed and implemented interdisciplinary instructional units tailored to meet the individual needs of her students. She is known for creating a warm, respectful, and engaging classroom environment where children are encouraged to explore, grow, and thrive. Laurie maintains detailed student records using the Montessori Compass database and fosters strong partnerships with families through consistent communication and collaboration.

Beyond the classroom, Laurie is a dynamic contributor to her school community. She has served as the Primary Department Chair Leader, a representative for the Pennsylvania Association for Independent Schools, and a member of numerous committees including curriculum development, STEAM initiatives, and accreditation processes. Her leadership extends to mentoring student teachers and practitioners from Carlow University and hosting international outreach programs, such as her collaboration with Duksung Women’s University in South Korea.

Laurie is also an active member of professional organizations including the American Montessori Society, the Greater Pittsburgh Montessori Society, and the Pennsylvania Association of Independent School Teachers. Her professional development includes certifications in Responsive Classroom, the Science of Reading (LETRS), and the SAP Student Assistance Program. She has presented at national conferences, including the National Catholic Education Association and the National Association of Laboratory Schools, sharing her insights on Montessori education and the scholar-practitioner model.

With a career defined by compassion, innovation, and leadership, Laurie Laird continues to inspire students, families, and fellow educators through her unwavering commitment to the Montessori method and early childhood education. Laurie resides in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh with her husband of 24 years and two sons whom she enjoys volunteering for their schools and swim teams.

Professional Associations

Member of the American Montessori Society
Member of Greater Pittsburgh Montessori Society
Pennsylvania Association of Independent School Teachers

Research Topics

The Science of Reading for Early Childhood Education: Investigating the role of the Prepared Environment and how the Montessori Method contributes to Social/Emotional Learning in Early Childhood Education.