Creativity in Education: My Professional Journey at Bloom

As I reflect on my seven years of work as the secretary at Bloom Montessori (preschool, primary and high school) I feel a deep sense of gratitude and pride. This journey has provided me with the opportunity to learn how to balance the strict regulations of our legal framework with the flexibility of Montessori education, which, at its core, is driven not by state or public initiatives, but by the vision of an individual.

From the very beginning, the goal was never to create a space where children simply follow legal norms and traditional educational methods. On the contrary, the primary intention was to tailor the educational process to each child, according to their unique needs. When the focus is on the child, everything else falls into place. Over the years, we have managed to find ways to align all aspects of our work with the laws of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while remaining true to the foundational principles of the Montessori method. For this reason, my work in this unique educational community, which is the first and only private Montessori school in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been nothing short of an adventure, dynamic, challenging, and truly inspiring.

As a secretary in a private Montessori school, yet one registered with the Ministry of Education and Science of Sarajevo Canton, I am responsible for aligning the educational process with legal state norms, while at the same time striving to preserve the creative space where children and adults can grow and develop in their own way. I have learned how important it is to be creative within the educational environment, especially when faced with traditional norms that sometimes do not meet the needs of modern education.

Despite the challenges faced by the education sector, such as the shortage of staff and the rapid changes brought about by digitalization, my work at Bloom has never been demotivating. On the contrary, every challenge has been an opportunity for innovation and problem-solving. As a legal professional, I understand that regulations must be adhered to, but I also believe there is room for a different approach, especially for Montessori schools.

We have found a way to operate within the legal framework, but my hope is to find a way to incorporate elements of Montessori into the traditional school system. Ideally, I would like to see every child - and even every adult -experience the daily routines and environment that children at Bloom go through, in order to truly understand its value. I believe that the creative world of Montessori should play a role in shaping future generations of children, and ultimately, the regulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

After these seven years of work in education, I really do think that it is time for the educational system, along with its regulations, to be elevated to a new level - an era where children and their needs are at the very center of all educational policies. I am grateful to be a part of this community, and I hope that through my work and contributions within the Bloom community, I will help enhance the recognition of this school, thus creating space for the development of an educational system that will enable all children to grow in a more creative, free, and of course safe environment.

Above all, children's energy, joy, and the everyday experiences I witness -beyond just paperwork and administration - have shaped me professionally in a way that gives me a unique kind of strength and energy. No matter what work we do, and regardless of how long the change may take, it is essential to carry out our vision with a smile and with the best, most genuine intentions.