Who is a Guide?
I Became a Guide at 11 Years Old
When I was just 11, I signed up to be a Safety Patrol, stopping traffic and ensuring children and other pedestrians had a safe space to cross the street.
Two years later, at 13, I took a summer job as a Play Peer Volunteer. This municipal program paired teens with children facing physical, emotional, or social challenges so they could fully participate in city run day camp activities.
Now, more than 35 years later, I see a common thread running through my life journey—every role I ever took placed me walking alongside others as a Guide. Guiding is a key part of many professions.
Through my personal growth and transformation using the Montessori approach, I deepened my understanding of what it truly means to be a Guide. I also realized that many people are already guiding others, often without even recognizing it. Maybe that includes you!
Who is a Guide?
To understand the role of a Guide, let’s explore the heart of the Montessori method. Montessori places human development at the center, recognizing that each individual is naturally equipped with the ability to observe, explore, discover, and connect. A Guide walks beside that individual, offering just the right amount of support while allowing space for independent thought and action.
A Guide’s role is to help individuals build the skills and confidence they need to navigate their own growth. This means meeting each person where they are, understanding their unique strengths and challenges, and supporting them to take the next steps in their journey of growth and discovery.
Beyond education, the Montessori approach honours human dignity. It respects the natural process of development and supports individuals in becoming their best selves. A Guide’s purpose is to nurture human potential.
Guiding isn’t limited to the classroom. It happens in homes, workplaces, and communities. Parents, caregivers, and mentors guide children in developing life skills. Employers and team leaders guide employees to build confidence and develop new abilities. Friends and neighbours guide each other through challenges and opportunities. When we recognize the role we play in supporting others, we can be more intentional in the way we guide.
Gather Guides: Supporting Those Who Support Others
At Gather Guides, we see Guides at work everywhere—coaches, tutors, instructors, childcare providers, mentors, caregivers, crossing guards, camp counsellors, and so many others who support people through their work.
We believe that basic Montessori principles can empower anyone in a guiding role to be more effective, compassionate, and knowledgeable. That’s why we offer professional development retreats, workshops, seminars, and short courses that introduce or deepen the understanding of Montessori concepts. They aid in our understanding of the human being. Our goal is to help people apply these principles in diverse service-based fields, ensuring that those they support receive guidance rooted in respect, growth, and potential.
We also provide a space for Guides to connect and learn from one another. By sharing experiences and insights, we strengthen our ability to support those we serve. The work of a Guide is about collaboration, encouragement, and understanding. When Guides come together, we create stronger communities where learning and growth can flourish.
The role of a Guide is defined by the impact we have on others. Whether you work in education, healthcare, community services, or any field where you support others, you are a Guide. By refining our approach, by understanding Montessori principles, we can create environments where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential. This is how we can reinvigorate Montessori as a social movement - one that is inclusive and empowers us all.
Let’s work together to strengthen the role of Guides in every field.
Terry Millie
M.Ed, AMI 3-6; 6-12. AMI 6-12 Trainer
