Stuti Mehrotra – Founder & Director – Linden Montessori

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Woman Leader in Preschool Education 2024

When it comes to children’s well-being, development, and needs, early childhood educators play a crucial role in shaping these foundations. While parents and caregivers contribute significantly, early childhood educators possess the expertise and specialization in nurturing young minds, making them an indispensable part of the process. One such influential figure is Stuti Mehrotra, Founder and Director of Linden Montessori, who believes in the remarkable potential of children. Under her leadership, Linden Montessori has flourished as one of Bengaluru’s leading preschools, focusing on active learning, where children engage with hands-on materials and absorb knowledge through their senses. In recognition of her dedication to societal upliftment and her impactful contributions, we are honored to present Ms. Mehrotra with the title of Woman Leader in Preschool Education 2024.

A Childhood Dream Turned into an Educational Legacy

Stuti Mehrotra’s passion for teaching was evident from a young age, as she often transformed her room into an imaginary classroom, decorating wooden cupboards with chalk writings and creating notes for her pretend students. This childhood dream became a reality when she pursued a B.Ed. and began her journey as an educator. However, a pivotal moment in her life came when she read the book “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish,” which ignited a new desire to create something of her own—a school. In 2014, she took a leap of faith, founding Linden Montessori.

Overcoming Challenges

Stuti Mehrotra, as a lifelong learner, finds deep inspiration in the work of Dr. Maria Montessori, a trailblazer in educational reform. Reflecting on her journey with Linden Montessori, she acknowledged both the challenges and successes along the way. “Competing against well-established schools was no easy feat, with our growth initially depending on word-of-mouth,” she noted, highlighting the competitive landscape.

Speaking further on the challenges, she shared, “The Covid pandemic brought additional difficulties, but together at Linden, we emerged stronger, enhancing our capabilities in online teaching.” She also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the parent community, stating, “This helped us navigate those tough times, and now we face any challenge with renewed confidence, knowing we can overcome any obstacle.”

Stuti Mehrotra’s Vision for Linden Montessori

Stuti Mehrotra finds great fulfillment in the dynamic nature of her role as Founder and Director of Linden Montessori. Surrounded by young learners, she is constantly invigorated, both mentally and physically, by the energy and curiosity of the children. Under her leadership, Linden’s goal is to cultivate curiosity and exploration in students, guiding them to become creative, organized, and responsible individuals.

Stuti plays a pivotal role in shaping the school’s evolving curriculum, which is centered around experiential and thinking-oriented learning. She also oversees the ongoing training of educators, which begins at the start of each academic year and continues throughout. With a focus on fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, Stuti promotes transparency and openness, encouraging dynamic discussions, debates, and brainstorming sessions that elevate the educational experience.

Looking ahead, her vision extends to establishing a dedicated training institute for educators, recognizing the critical need for high-quality teacher training.

On a Personal Note

Outside of her responsibilities at Linden Montessori, Stuti Mehrotra is deeply passionate about volunteering her time for training sessions and workshops at Montessori Teacher Training Institutes, preschools, and daycares. She has also had the opportunity to lead values and culture classes for children at ISKCON, Bangalore.

Driven by a vision of a world where no child is denied access to education, Stuti believes that every school has a responsibility to ensure that children within a 5 to 6 km radius are not deprived of learning opportunities. She advocates for providing even a few hours of educational support to underprivileged children, believing it can make a significant difference in their lives.