Baan Dek

Rah Salonga

 

Q: Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself? Your background, your interests, your dreams?

Happily married and have been with the same man for 17 years, supporting my personal journey to spread the beauty of Montessori education around the globe. I have experience working in international and Montessori schools from Singapore, Japan, China, the Philippines, Vietnam and am extremely grateful for the opportunity here in the US. I have a wealth of knowledge and a strong background in the highly specialized field of early childhood education. Someday, I hope I get to publish my own children’s books. I have written three so far from my experiences working with children in those countries that I have been with.

Q: How were you first introduced to Montessori?

I came from a family of educators, my eldest sister was a preschool teacher for about 30 years and a good friend of mine working in a Montessori school was of great influence as well for me to push through this industry. They were both very passionate about early childhood and through some personal research, I just found myself enrolled in a primary course and 13 years later here I am.

Q: What was it about Montessori that resonated with you?

It’s grounding me in theory of truly having an understanding about child development. The materials, presentations and practices and the adult itself were all connected to fully design appropriate developmental support for each child.

Q: What brought you to Baan Dek?

I have known this individual who I had a chance to work closely with when we were in China, a passionate Montessori guide which I deeply respect too. She’s currently Baan Dek’s toddler guide and she connected me to the organization to start a conversation on possible opportunity

Q: What is your favorite part of your day at Baan Dek?

My ultimate favorite part of the day in school is the uninterrupted work period. This gives me an opportunity to observe each child, the whole class, my co-teachers and be able to witness their working habits, relationships towards peers and adults, little moments where I get to see and compare their developmental growths. I love those out of the classroom periods too, where they get to be children and see so much joy in their faces.

Q: What is your favorite life quote?

No matter what, be kind.

Q: What are your favorite colors?

Blue, pink and white.

Q: How do you like to spend your free time?

Spending time outdoors or dining out with my husband and or friends, yoga or outdoor cycling, get creative in the kitchen cooking/baking.

Q: What is your favorite animal and why?

Dogs. I grew up having dogs around. Their loyalty and compassion towards you is undeniable.

Q: What’s a fun fact about your life?

When I was young I wanted to be a teacher then I changed my mind during my teenage years, telling myself that there are so many teachers in my family, I have to do something else. So I took a different path in college and started a career in a corporate world but a few years down the road, here I am. :)

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