Director Spotlight: Lauren L. Bolar
What does excellent leadership look like? Humility, empathy, the ability to think strategically?
Q: First of all, congratulations! A little bird told us that you recently assumed the Executive Director position at TMS. After 44 years of successful operation, how does it feel to take over your family's legacy?
“It is an honor to be in this position. I look around Tempe Montessori and see so many aspects of my childhood here. My handprints are in the cement by the banana trees, we dug and built the pond by hand, (and swam in it too), I lost my first tooth sitting at the long table on the Primary playground, learned all the countries of Africa in Mrs. Nazli's (now Mrs. Smita's classroom), I took the long trek up the hill that now seems so small like all the children do today. My grandmother opened TMS in 1978, she worked in public education with children of all backgrounds and wanted more for them. My mother helped my grandmother run the school until her passing in 2007. Since then, my goal has simply been to continue what was started so long ago.
To continue building a learning environment for the children to truly grow in all aspects of their life. The real legacy lies in the stories of Irma Letson as they are hers to tell. When she is approached to speak, write in magazines, etc., she simply says no, as she is just one woman with a small school and a hope for a better world for the children. As we continue forward, it is important to maintain this humbleness and dedication to the practices and principles she started with 44 years ago. I only hope and strive to maintain their vision with the same level of integrity, ethics, care, wisdom and love.”
Q: Two words, one powerful question: Why Lead?
“In the words of my niece Charlotte, "It's the right thing to do." I think to lead isn't always a chosen path but one a person naturally finds themselves in and to be a leader looks different on different people. It is important in a community of people, they have a person to look to for a grounding source and sense of direction with a strong base of integrity and ethics. I strive to be an honorable leader for those around me.”
Q: Many of your Head Faculty members have taught at Tempe Montessori School for over ten years and some tenures are even scathing three decades! What is your secret for retaining such talented Montessorians?
“The secret is in the sauce. Over the years, Irma, my mother Therese, Jessica and now myself, believe in Montessori and believe in our staff. I can name at least five accolades for each and every one of them. They are truly a special group of women who believe in the child. Our teachers believe in the child and this belief allows them to continue their work in our classrooms.”
Q: In your personal opinion, what is the significance of maintaining a true Montessori atmosphere for children throughout all program levels?
“To me, a true Montessori atmosphere is one that allows for intrinsic learning. A Montessori classroom is going to have a high level curriculum, beautiful materials, and a carefully curated space. However, a room that is too controlled by the adult or has no limits and boundaries, doesn't allow for the child to take in impressions on their own will and volition. It doesn't allow for intrinsic learning. An intrinsic learner is going to think outside the box, stand up for what they believe in, question everything, to have a full understanding of themselves, society and the world around them. I always say, it's not just the academics, its the quality and characteristics a person has develops from being in a Montessori classroom setting.”
Q: What is the most difficult aspect of your work? What is the most rewarding?
“The challenging part is wanting to be everywhere at once, to sit in the classrooms, answer the phones and the emails, get the paperwork done and touch base with each person every day. The most rewarding piece is being a witness to "that moment". That moment is when the hand and the brain work together and you can see the child's understanding of their work in their eyes, their "Ah ha!" moments. As well as the little moments, when the children provide comfort to each other, check on each other or stand up for themselves. These moments of empathy, compassion and self respect are beautiful. *insert chefs kiss*”
Q: Montessori practitioners refer to this educational method as an "aid to life". What does this mean to you?
“I started the Nido program 12 years ago. I get asked "What do you teach babies, what do you do all day?" My simple response is "I do not teach anything as the work is their own. I provide a space for the children to naturally develop their bodies, minds and souls. The room is purposely set up for them to entice movement, discovery and social skills. I let the child show me what they are capable of doing and want to try and I provide the right tools for them to do so." This is what aid to life means. I can not do for the child, they can only do for themselves, so I must aid in their development and not be an obstacle in it.”
Q: In today's society, major emphases are constantly analyzed regarding the demands and skillsets our current generation of learners must possess to ensure they are key contributors to the careers of tomorrow. Where do you see the future of education heading and what are some attributes you see Tempe Montessori School's alumni demonstrating?
“I think it is very easy to look around the world and see all the ugly things currently happening. I have 17 nieces and nephews all in different school systems and each system focuses on something different. Yet, some of them are more bombarded by these ugly things in their school systems than others. When I discuss what they are learning in school, I am sometimes shocked to hear the content or the context of their days, (this is how I know I am an adult :)) A Montessori child has many opportunities during the day to see more of the beautiful and has the time and capability to make an impact in the world as they grow into adult hood and emerge into the community. Our TMS alumni are doing great things in the world. We could name a few who are notable doctors, nurses, fire fighters, financial planners, teachers, lawyers, scientists and even an astronaut! Going back to my earlier comments, it's the qualities and characteristics a Montessori child develops that allows them to see the world from a different lens. They often are found in careers of leadership or service. I find they naturally seek and create ways to contribute to society in a positive way.”
Q: Some say personal mantras should not be spoken aloud. However, for the sake of visionary and strategic thinking, please share your interpretation of Tempe Montessori's mission in a few short words:
“Our mission has remained the same from the beginning: To provide a quality AMI Montessori education for the children, and to help parents achieve their highest goals in the education of their children, by following the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori in an effective and sensitive manner.”
Q: Lastly, to delineate the magical core of what makes this school feel SO BEYOND, "just a school", tell us a little bit about TMS' community:
“TMS has a wonderful community. We are a group of women who believe in the children and each other. We work together to create uplifting, beautiful environments to meet the needs of the children. We continue to learn and grow from what the children show us in their every day development.”
Lauren L. Bolar, Executive Director
“The future requires us to tap into a deeper level of our humanity; who we really are and want to be as a society. This is at the core of leadership work today.”
-Otto Sharmer