We are excited to announce that Britni Wige has returned to the Saint Louis Sudbury School Board of Directors! We asked Britni some questions about her views of the Sudbury school model and her hopes for our school’s future.

Can you tell us about your involvement with Saint Louis Sudbury School?
I've been involved with the school since it's been in the planning period, before the school was even incorporated. It's been such a wild ride full of ups and downs, so much growth and transformation, and an incredibly fulfilling opportunity. To see an idea come to life, to experience the highs and lows... it's been the ultimate test of something we always tell parents, to trust the process. Building and running a microschool, especially a Sudbury model school is much like what the students experience in their time attending the school. It's a time of practice, figuring out what works and what doesn't work, and learning to work and grow together with the many different personalities, experiences, and life perspectives that everyone brings to the table. It's the ultimate way to truly understand and put into practice what it means to balance individuality and community. And it means leaving one's ego at the door.

What do you like about the Sudbury model?
I love that the Sudbury model embodies the true meaning of trusting kids to learn, grow, and become who it is they truly are. I love that it's not about the parents and what they envision for their kids, that the kids have the freedom, respect, and autonomy to figure out who they are, what their expectations are for themselves, and what they are passionate about, and knowing they are unequivocally free to change at any point in time. The Sudbury model supports individual and group learning and community development. It's set up in a way kids can practice learning and living in the real world, but in a space that is safe to make mistakes and to learn from them. The students know their voices, their opinions, and their thoughts and ideas are heard, respected, and honored. The Sudbury model is set up in a way to gives kids daily opportunities to practice finding their voice, learn, and grow within an environment that models a high degree of self-awareness and emotional intelligence and gives kids the tools and skills they need to practice open, honest, and courageous communication. They learn how to communicate, debate, and have respectful discourse, and they learn how to ask for what they want and advocate for themselves while also having an abundance of time to learn what they want to learn in a way that works best for them. Sudbury schools rely on local connections and resources which means the students have the unique opportunity to learn from those actually doing what they want to do or are currently interested in. Sudbury students can engage in apprenticeships and internships much sooner than those attending standardized schools thus not having to waste time before gaining the skills they need to enter the workforce and landing that job or entering the career they dream of.

Students practice Self-Directed Education at Sudbury. Why do you think this approach (instead of coercive curriculum) is relevant in today's world?
Our world is changing at a rapid pace. No one knows how the world will be 10-20 years from now. We do know, based on what has happened in just the last 5 years, that the work environment and the way we interact with the world and those around us, will most likely be very different. To teach from a curriculum that is based on how the world works 20 years ago (or more) is doing a massive disservice to future generations. Self-Directed Education gives kids the opportunity to hone in on what they are interested in now, using the tools and resources that are current, to dive into those passions for however long they have them, and while doing that they are learning all the subjects they would cover in standardized school. The difference is that kids are learning at their pace, in their own way, and in a way where they own that information, that knowledge. When you teach a child how to do something, you forever take away their opportunity to learn it on their own. And they don't own that experience. To force a child to learn in a linear fashion or by subject with tests and grades, presentations, and projects they don't initiate is to slowly chip away at the child's inner knowing that they have the ability to learn and the confidence to gain what they need to thrive. They are robbed of the opportunity to develop the confidence and fortitude of coming to their own conclusions and forming their own ideals, thoughts, and results. And they grow up with shame, blame, and guilt for not living up to the expectations of the adults around them. Practicing Self- Directed Education means the student learns who they are, embody their own learning, and do so at the pace and desire that feels best to them. The learning is automatic, natural, and authentic to who they truly are.

What are some challenges Sudbury model schools face?
We are so conditioned as a society to believe conventional education is the only way and any other way means the person can't succeed in the "real world." There's still so much shame and judgment around someone getting their GED or HiSET. To me, the biggest challenge is getting parents to trust the process, not to fear boredom, and to understand their kids don't have to learn a specific way or have to be sitting down with a teacher to learn and be successful as a young adult. That actually, by embracing Self-Directed Education, the adults set the kids up with the opportunity to be thriving and successful right out of the gate and they lessen the chance of the child having to heal from not knowing who they really are or what they want to do with their life. Sudbury students gain the confidence and independence way earlier than their peers in standardized schools because they are free to figure out what freedom, passions, interests, and success mean to them. Most adults weren't given that opportunity and that can bring up some big feelings and tons of doubt.

Another big challenge is FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). And most of the time this comes from the parents projecting onto their kids. They feel certain events or experiences kids endure in conventional school is something they will miss out on if they attend a Sudbury school. That the events and experiences are a "right of passage" for teens and without them, they will somehow miss out or not be normal. What's great about Sudbury schools is if the kids want certain events or experiences, they get to make them happen, such as school dances, sports events, competitions, concerts, and fundraising or working with the community. All is possible at Sudbury schools and I dare say, they can do it better because the kids are leading. The pressure to conform isn't there. The pressure to live up to others' expectations or fear of ridicule and embarrassment or worse isn't there. They don't have to miss out on anything, they get to experience so much more and it's all on their terms.

What are your hopes for the future of Saint Louis Sudbury School?
I see so much potential for the school. The current staff and volunteers know what the Sudbury model is and they model it in their own lives which sets the school up for a great future. They are dedicated to the Sudbury philosophy and are passionate about their own personal growth and transformation; all super necessary for a thriving Sudbury school.

My hopes are:

Continued Growth and Evolution: I am excited to see the school continue to change based on the needs and interests of the students and the relationships they develop with the local community. The dynamics and energy of the school change with each new student, and every day is different.

A Wider Acceptance of the Sudbury Model: I look forward to helping more parents and society as a whole recognize the value of Self-Directed Education and the relevance of Sudbury Schools in preparing students for a rapidly changing world.

Empowerment and Autonomy for Students: I look forward to helping the students and adults feel empowered and autonomous and able to pursue their interests and passions freely while developing their individuality and being a part of a supportive community.

Stronger Community Ties and Partnerships: I look forward to the school forging stronger connections with local businesses and organizations. Sudbury schools have the unique ability to provide students with opportunities that give them real-world learning experiences that they get to participate in during school hours. These partnerships are spearheaded by the students which means the students learn how to talk to adults, ask for the opportunity to learn from them, and learn how to engage with the world around them.

Enhanced Emotional Intelligence and Communication Skills: Now more than ever we need more people who have a firm understanding of emotional intelligence and a daily practice of healthy communication. We don't live in a vacuum and the online space has a way of keeping us in echo chambers, chipping away at our ability to communicate effectively with love and compassion for those who think, live, and operate differently. This world so desperately needs more people who can engage in respectful discourse and who are dedicated to acknowledging their own projections and who have the self awareness to know when they are projecting onto others. The Sudbury model is set up to foster emotional intelligence and healthy communication skills. These are two skills that will prove to be incredibly vital in years to come. The current staff and board members hold these values and skills to such a high degree, I look forward to seeing the results of such life changing work.

Overcoming Societal Stereotypes and Biases: I look forward to working on overcoming the societal challenges Sudbury schools encounter and helping to change the perceptions about alternative education models, getting GEDS, and pursuing a life and career based on one's true passions and talents and not on what society deems correct or right.

Creating a Model for Future Schools: I am super excited and looking forward to Saint Louis Sudbury School being a model and inspiration for future schools. I look forward in the years to come to show the success and effectiveness of a Self-Directed, democratic education that is built around the freedom of the students both individually and as a whole.

Inclusivity and Diversity: One of my favorite parts about Saint Louis Sudbury School is how inclusive and diverse the school is, from the staff, volunteers, and board members, to the whole student body. I am so excited to watch the school grow and for the kids to learn from each other, and their own uniqueness, and to thrive in a community that is rooted in respect, compassion, and authenticity.

Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency: As a Founding board member and the Tuition Clerk, I am looking forward to the school becoming sustainable and self-sufficient. I would love for us to be able to offer many full scholarships a year, to help as many families as possible through our Tuition Assistance Program, and to have the grants and donations we need to make it all happen. I look forward to partnering with local organizations and individual donors to help bring in the funding we need to keep Saint Louis Sudbury School affordable for all.