Laurie Laird has spent 25 years at Carlow University’s Campus Laboratory School, beginning as a Montessori assistant and growing into her current role as head teacher and primary department chair. Over that time, she has guided generations of students through their earliest years of learning, building a classroom rooted in patience, independence, and care.
Her path to Carlow began almost by chance. As an undergraduate, Laurie visited campus for a class assignment and was introduced to the Montessori classroom for the first time. Not long after, she was offered a position.
“If you’re willing to believe in me,” she remembers responding. They were, and she stayed.
What began as a first step into teaching became something more lasting, shaped by mentorship, community, and a deep connection to her students. “I’ve always felt like I’m here for a reason,” she says.
Today, as Laurie prepares to be recognized at Carlow’s annual Celebration of Service for her 25 years with the University, we sat down to for a conversation about her impact in the classroom, and the countless students, families, and future educators she has helped shape along the way.
What first brought you to Carlow?
I started at Carlow in March of 2000 as an assistant teacher. At the time, I was still doing my undergraduate degree, and one of my classes required us to come to Carlow on a Saturday morning to observe a Montessori classroom. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to be a teacher yet, but I fell in love with the room and the philosophy right away.
Two weeks later, I got a call saying they were looking for an assistant. Sister Mary Paul brought me into her office and asked if this was something I thought I’d like to do. I said yes, I would love to give it a try if they were willing to believe in me. And they were. I started as a Montessori assistant and stayed in that role for about four and a half years before pursuing my training.
What was the transition like from assistant to teacher?
That transition was really hard at first. As an assistant, I always had someone to look up to. I had the head teacher, and I had Sister Marilyn Freilich, who founded the Montessori program, as an inspiration.
When I first became a full-time teacher, I felt overwhelmed. But I also had such strong role models to guide me. Sister Marilyn was always there for me. I could go to her about anything, whether it was classroom behavior, how to set up the environment, or how to communicate with parents. She really helped shape the kind of teacher I became.
What has it meant to you to be part of Carlow and the Campus Laboratory School?
Being part of the larger Carlow community has really been a gift, both for me and for the children. There are so many opportunities that come from being connected to the University. We’ve had departments come into our classrooms, like Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and apprentice teachers. I’ve also had the chance to work with education students and share the Montessori philosophy with them.
That’s especially meaningful to me because that’s how I started. I didn’t know about Montessori education until I experienced it here. To now be able to give that back and be part of someone else’s learning process feels like everything has come full circle.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned as a teacher?
Patience, overall. And that everything will work out in the end.
What advice would you give to students or new educators starting out?
Give yourself some grace. Give yourself room to grow. I am still growing and still learning after 25 years. Confidence comes with experience, but in the beginning you don’t know everything, and that’s okay. It’s important to listen to the people around you and really observe.
If it was not for the people here who guided me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. So be open to learning and give yourself the time to develop.
What has kept you here for 25 years?
I have always felt like I’m here for a reason. I truly believe I would not be here if it wasn’t for Sister Mary Paul. She believed in me and helped me pursue my Montessori training when I didn’t think it was possible. She told me that as long as I gave back to the school, and here I am 25 years later. I still love what I do. I love walking into the classroom every day and seeing the impact I can have. When you spend three years with these children, they really do become like family.
What keeps you inspired in your work today?
People sometimes ask what else I would do, and I honestly don’t know. This is what I know and what I love. There are hard days, especially during the school year, but I‘ve learned that you have to take care of yourself and find that balance. When you do, everything else comes more naturally in the classroom.
As long as I can still get down on the floor with the children and be part of their world, I’m happy to be here.