Teacher of the Week: Mia Hanneken, 1st-3rd Grade, Montessori School of Champaign-Urbana

Apr. 11—Before she began teaching at Montessori School of Champaign-Urbana, Mia Hanneken was the educational coordinator at Common Ground Food Co-op, where she taught cooking classes for adults and kids.

At Montessori, the Wabash, Ind., native has brought some of that knowledge to her students, whose ages span from first to third grade. According to program director Brekke Day, Hanneken works with her students to cook traditional dishes from around the world along with lessons in which they learn to construct shelters, create art that relates to the topic they're studying, and more.

"Ms. Hanneken brings intention, focus and an inquisitive nature to each interaction she has with her students," said Brekke Day, the school's program director. "Ms. Hanneken is also dedicated to expanding her own knowledge through extensive training and professional development work. She has a keen eye for recognizing what is working and what isn't and is able to use her creative thinking to make adjustments and try new things. Ms. Hanneken strikes an excellent balance of letting students explore while maintaining clear expectations and boundaries. It's clear she genuinely cares for and loves all of her students."

I find my work important because ... school needs to be a safe place for children to grow, make mistakes and fall in love with the world. Being a teacher means building a peaceful community, equipping kids with life skills and guiding the community's future leaders.

I became a teacher because ... even as an adult, I love learning. Being a teacher, I get to surround myself with these fascinating, developing minds. I get to help them find the joy in learning and understanding the world around them. Together, we build a community of curiosity and wonder for earth science, life science and human culture. I have never felt a stronger sense of purpose and fulfillment as I do in the Montessori classroom.

My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is ... the Montessori cosmic curriculum. We teach the five "Great Lessons" each year, which tell major stories of our world, including the formation of the universe, life appearing on Earth, the development of human beings, our language and our number systems. These stories give our young students the vast scope of the world and show the relationship between everything around them.

My most fulfilling moments on the job are when ... I witness peer teaching. Students have extensive independent work time at Montessori schools, and when they need help with something, we encourage them to lean on their classmates. I get to watch young students take on the "teacher" or "expert" role, and it is nothing short of amazing to see this side of their personalities. As the "teacher," children show immense kindness and patience, all while reinforcing their own understanding of the concept they're teaching. Maria Montessori said the greatest sign of a successful teacher is "to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.'" Seeing this in practice is definitely the most fulfilling part of my job.

I keep students engaged by ... allowing freedom within limits. When I give my students the opportunity to choose how they learn a subject or specific concept, they're instantly more invested in their work. With reasonable boundaries in place, students thrive in their learning and take pride in their work. "Freedom within limits" is my favorite aspect of Montessori education.

Something else I'm passionate about is ... plants and gardening! I have been on a 10-year quest to create a prolific garden and learn foraging. There is so much to learn, and it requires a ton of patience, planning and problem solving. It keeps me busy!

My favorite teachers and subjects to study in school were ... Mrs. Price at Sharp Creek Elementary and Ms. Tuttle at Northfield Jr.-Sr. High School in Wabash, Ind. Both teachers were so inspiring and encouraging of my creativity. They continue to be my source of inspiration as a teacher, too. I strive to emulate their compassion. My favorite subjects to study in school were always art and English.

If I weren't a teacher, I would be ... something along the lines of a homesteader or farmer. I need an active job! Work never ends for a teacher and a farmer. If I'm not working to grow young minds, I'll work to grow food for them! Shout out to our local farmers doing just that!