PALM HARBOR, FLA — Natalie Wernberg is a teacher at Palm Harbor Montessori Academy.

She teaches gardening and art to roughly 130 students there. She brings her classes outside to help her students learn about the world around them. 

“To be able to have the opportunity to teach my passions which is gardening and art, it’s the perfect fit,” said Wernberg.

She is sharing those passions with her students. Wernberg also teaches yoga.

“I’m teaching a lot about breathing and breath work, how to be more comfortable with yourself, patience and kindness,” said Wernberg.

Her students are able to use those skills in their other classes and in the garden.

“We learn practical skills and responsibilities of watering and planting and working with seeds, and then there’s also this other connection of where are we in nature. Nature is separate, but we are also part of it. We are nature,” said Wernberg.

She’s been teaching at Palm Harbor Montessori Academy for four years. She’s been involved with the school for many more. Her kids have all been students there and her mom teaches there as well. 

“And then my mother-in-law was part of the school for over 25 years. So it’s been a true family affair here and we just love what the school represents and love being there for our students,” said Wernberg.

The Montessori philosophy is focused on letting children lead their own learning and Wernberg loves creating those opportunities for her students in her outdoor classroom.

“It’s just seeing them feel that same joy that I feel in the garden. I sometimes feel like I’m a little girl still, the curiosity, the joy of a new bloom, something ripening on a new plant, a new green pepper,” said Wernberg.