Donna Luther has been the Head of School at Inly School, an independent Montessori school in Scituate, MA, since 1996. The Inly School is doing truly remarkable work incorporating creativity, innovation, and connection in the classroom. In this episode, Donna talks about her beginnings in the arts, her journey that led her to Inly, and the incredible work that Inly School is doing every day.
0:28 Introductions
1:22 Donna tells us how she started out in music and the important role her parents played.
5:33 Donna describes her incredible experience with her high school music teacher that inspired her to pursue education in the arts.
6:08 Donna talks about how the arts informed her thinking about education, and how Montessori naturally resonated with her.
7:36 Donna reflects on Montessori, where it stood at the beginning of her career path, and how it is impacting children in the classroom in such remarkable ways.
9:35 Donna tells us about her professional trajectory that led her to Inly.
12:32 Donna's description of what Montessori education is.
15:44 Donna explains how it is for students who enter from a traditional school.
19:34 Donna discusses how Inly prepares students for entry into high school for a successful experience.
20:12 Donna explains how Inly has evolved since she became the Head of School.
21:12 Donna tells us how Inly has handled the COVID pandemic.
22:40 Donna tells us a remarkable story about a former student, serving as an example of the remarkable work Inly has done with thousands of students over the years.