Hello Olurinola, its so nice to introduce you to our audience, please share more about you and your path in Bulgaria as Montessori teacher!
My name is Olurinola Eunice Oreofe, and I am 27 years old. I moved to Bulgaria to pursue a degree in Applied Foreign Languages for Administration and Management (in English and a second foreign language) at New Bulgarian University. I have a passion for traveling, meeting new people, and immersing myself in diverse cultures and environments. While I consider myself a reserved person, I am always open to embracing new experiences and challenges.
My journey as a teacher began during the COVID-19 pandemic when I embarked on my first teaching role and completed training in Jolly Phonics and First Aid. Over the past four years, I have had the privilege of working with children of various age groups, with the oldest being seven years old. My roles have ranged from teaching English to young learners to serving as an assistant for toddlers and infants.
Teaching has been a fulfilling experience, and I take pride in the positive impact I’ve made on the children I’ve worked with. I am deeply committed to fostering growth and learning in young minds, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the development of children through my work as a Montessori guide.
What was the most important, mind-blowing knowledge that you took from ‘Seeing is Believing’ – The Art of Observation with Karen Pearce?
The most important takeaway from Karen Pearce’s “Seeing is Believing – The Art of Observation” was learning how to observe without judgment. Being fully present made me realize how much we can understand about a child’s needs, abilities, and development simply by watching and listening carefully.
What do you want to accomplish next? What is your dream?
I aim to further my education and become an AMI-certified Montessori teacher, strengthening my expertise as a certified guide. My dream is to establish a Montessori-inspired school that nurtures children’s individuality, curiosity, and love for learning, while also mentoring other educators to embrace the Montessori philosophy. I plan to pursue this certification after two years in Nigeria, where it is more affordable and convenient.
As an active teacher, what are the challenges that you are facing on every day bases?
One of the most significant challenges I face is personalizing the learning experience to meet each child’s unique developmental needs while fostering independence. Balancing diverse learning styles and interests, while maintaining a calm and well-prepared environment, requires continuous reflection and adaptability. These challenges drive me to refine my approach, consistently enhancing my skills and understanding to better support each child’s growth and development.
What kind of support do you need?
I would appreciate support in accessing more resources and training opportunities to further enrich the learning environment for my students. Collaborative opportunities with other educators would also be valuable to share insights and best practices. Additionally, having access to more materials and tools that support individualised learning would help enhance the overall classroom experience.
