From intricate designs of the iconic Pink Tower to symbolic representations of Montessori principles, these educators showcase their dedication to Montessori education through beautifully crafted tattoos.
Read their personal stories and learn about these meaningful tattoos that reflect their educational journey and deep connection to the Montessori method.
Story by Nichole Holtvluwer
Story by Amy Morley
I got the pink tower because it’s one of my favorite materials. And it’s something that represents Montessori no matter where in the world you go. Plus, pink is my favorite color!
The artist who did it is @bunnystardust
Story by Andy Lulka and Vikki Scholz
Vikki: Andy and i met in a Montessori FB group, and a virtual friendship formed pretty quickly. We met in person for the first time at the AMS conference in Chicago in 2016. There are several Montessorians i have met first online that i consider friends (for my part); they are all of them truly wonderful humans for whom i have great respect and fondness. Of all these people, i feel the closest and strongest bond by far with Andy. We bonded over related experiences both good and bad, and i consider her family.
During a vacation to Toronto a few years ago with my husband and children, we set aside time to spend with Andy and her family, and also a day for the two of us to get tattoos together.
Vikki:We decided on a shared Montessori quote, and a cool tattoo shop, and everything fell into place.
The quote we chose is from “To Educate the Human Potential”, and we separated it as follows: “We shall walk together on this path of life” (my part) “for all things are part of the universe, and we are connected with each other to form one whole unity.” (Andy’s part)
I look at this everyday, and i am reminded each time of my love for my dear friend, my commitment to my work with and for children, and my respect for Dr. Montessori and the work she did. I appreciate all the ways she ruffled feathers in advocating for children; it makes me smile in validation when i ruffle feathers, especially when i do so with my friend Andy.
Andy: Vikki suggested we get tattooed together when she was visiting Toronto in December of 2018 with her family – tattoos are deeply meaningful for both of us. We wanted something that would reflect our relationship, that would speak to our multifaceted connection on a spiritual level.
I love “To Educate the Human Potential” because it’s all about cosmic education and is reflective of Dr. Montessori’s later thinking. When we realized that Vikki felt pulled to the first part of the quote and I felt pulled by the second, it just felt right to have it tattooed this way – we are now indelibly connected, each with a beautiful piece which is enhanced by the other.
Do you have Montessori tattoos? Tell us about them!
I would love to see them too!