How the Montessori Education Program Improved Loyola Alum’s Teaching Practice

Current Student Spotlight: Liz Haff, M.Ed. ‘25 

After more than 30 years of teaching both Montessori and public school, Liz Haff was looking for current ideas and strategies. In the Montessori Education graduate program, Credit for Prior Learning pathway at Loyola University Maryland School of Education, she found an opportunity to deepen her practices and reflect on her work as an educator.  

Liz is a full-time lead teacher at Greensboro Montessori School in North Carolina. Balancing a busy classroom with graduate study is not simple, but she has already seen the impact of her coursework in her teaching.  

“I work full-time as a lead teacher at Greensboro Montessori School. It was challenging to teach all day and work in the evening, but I found that my study improved my teacher effectiveness within weeks,” she said. 

Through the Credit for Prior Learning pathway, Liz has focused on research and ideas that speak directly to the needs of her students and school community. She is able to connect with practitioners from across the globe to collaborate, innovate, and connect graduate coursework with practice in real classrooms.  

“I loved learning how to research and about new ideas, like inclusivity, SEL, and fostering and nurturing a sense of belonging,” she said.  

Liz credits her professors with offering expectations and feedback that match the realities of a full-time teacher and graduate student. “The professors have been outstanding,” she said. 

“They expect what is realistic and meet you where you are. I have learned so much from them. The feedback I have received was helpful and constructive to my next steps as a scholar.” 

For educators who are thinking about graduate study in Montessori education, Liz offers encouragement rooted in her experience.  

“I would strongly encourage educators to consider the Loyola graduate program. Schools need to use current educational practices, and Loyola encourages implementing current research and strategies,” Liz said.  

“The program study has improved my teaching practice and improved my research skills and thinking about learning and Montessori methodology overall.”  

Interested in graduate programs that connect Montessori philosophy, current research, and real classroom experience? Explore Loyola University Maryland’s graduate programs in Montessori Education.