Ms. Bailey Wright is a Lower Elementary teacher at Morehead Montessori Magnet School. She is responsible for children in first through third grades, teaching them core subjects of math, reading, and writing while helping them with their independent work. My project explored Ms. Wright's classroom as her students learned important social and emotional skills, extending beyond a typical, academically-focused education. Watch children engage in a wide variety of activities that promote their growth both as students as people. See how they grow and form a community in a semester-long journey of wonder and joy.

My project was possible because Ms. Wright opened up her space to me, allowing me to document her classroom and reflect the story I found within. My deep appreciation goes to Ms. Wright, Ms. Debayle, and Ms. Diaz; all of Morehead Montessori's teachers, administration, and staff; and their amazing students, many of whom were the subjects of my photography. With such open access to Ms. Wright's classroom, I sought to explore the children's education and development, asking questions like "What makes for an effective education?" and "In what ways does school promote holistic growth?" I use the story of Ms. Wright's classroom to examine these key ideas through a photographic and narrative lens.