Montessori teacher seeks second i.d.e.a.WF grant for further expansion
WICHITA FALLS ( KFDX/KJTL ) — One of this year's five i.d.e.a.WF finalists is very familiar with the competition after winning "Judge's Choice" back in 2021. Now, she's hoping to win again and use the prize money to expand her business.
For Breann Molina, teaching is everything. She was a long-time educator in Wichita Falls before opening her own school with a unique twist.
"We use the philosophies and theories of Maria Montessori," Molina explained. "She is an Italian philosopher [whose ideas have] been around for over 100 years. And so it's all from overseas, but we don't have any other Montessori here in Wichita Falls."
According to the American Montessori Society , the philosophy is a child-centered approach that focuses on children's natural desire to learn by fostering independence through self-guided growth.
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Molina was able to open her own Montessori school after winning the Judge's Choice Award for i.d.e.a.WF back in 2021. She has since entered again in 2024, hoping to take the top prize.
"It helped provide some of our outdoor playground equipment... when I decided to expand, I contacted i.d.e.a.WF and asked if it was possible to join a second round. And they said, absolutely," Molina said. "So we went to them hoping to get some funding to help with our expansion and build some more classrooms."
Molina said they already have the space ready, and winning i.d.e.a.WF would get them into that space much sooner.
"So we already have our architect and engineer plans drawn up," she said. "We are waiting for a final from the city so they can say get started, but we already have everything lined up to get started, ideally next school year. But it'd be nice if we could get started before then."
And hopefully making a lasting impact on lives for years to come as she helps build future generations of learners. The winners for i.d.e.a.WF will be announced on Oct. 23, and of course, we want to wish all the finalists the best of luck.
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