Kia Gates-Smith discovered her love for early childhood education when her daughter (now 12) was very young. Her daughter had been born prematurely, and, because she continued to struggle with health challenges, Kia did not feel comfortable putting her in a traditional childcare or preschool program. Instead, she took it upon herself to teach her daughter and help her build those foundational skills. “I really loved it. That is what made me want to pursue a career in early childhood education.”
Kia went on to earn an associate degree in early childhood education, but she didn’t stop there! She immediately went on to earn a bachelor’s degree and then—after taking just one year off—moved on to her master’s degree, which she earned in 2020. Kia explained, “My dad was not able to go to college because he had to start working at a very early age to help his mom and siblings. He never pressured my sisters and me, but he always stressed the importance of education. My degrees are not just for me but for my parents, as well.”
Kia joined the MLK Montessori team in June of 2022 and now serves as co-teacher in Room 104. Kia explains that she was drawn to MLK because it is such a unique asset within the southeast quadrant: “MLK is definitely a prestigious school in our community.” Kia was also drawn to the diversity of the school and notes that it is important that a school’s staff reflects its student population. “I didn’t have an African American teacher until I was in middle school. I would have liked to have had that representation at an earlier age.”
This has been Kia’s first professional experience in a Montessori environment, and she credits her co-teacher, Mr. Noah, as well as the other teachers at MLK with helping her better understand the Montessori Method. “It’s very different from a play-based program. In a Montessori classroom, everything has a purpose. Teachers are very intentional with their strategies, and this was an eye opener for me. For instance, after we present a concept to a student, we let them try it. Even if they are doing it incorrectly, we do not stop and correct them mid-work. We let them finish, and then we guide them through a trial-and-error process. I feel like this method helps to build mutual respect.”
At MLK, educators are encouraged to personalize their teaching strategies and strengthen their classrooms with their own unique interests and talents. Kia, who loves sports, shares that she frequently creates additional opportunities for physical activity in her classroom. For example, preschool students must work on developing their fine motor skills. To help with this, Kia made extra-small basketball hoops and basketballs. As they shot their miniature baskets, Kia’s students strengthened their hand-eye coordination and worked on their pencil grips. “It was such a simple activity,” Kia shared, “but the kids absolutely loved it.”
Clearly, Kia is a tremendous asset to the MLK team. She is highly qualified, passionate about early education, willing to think outside of the box, and dedicated to building relationships with her students and their families. It is because of teachers like Kia that our program is so strong!
To support Kia, and all of our educators here at MLK Montessori School, we encourage you to make a donation to our Equity in Education campaign.
