Kristen Bell, the American actress and singer, is widely known for her roles in blockbuster movies such as Frozen, The Good Place, and Veronica Mars. However, what many people do not know about Kristen Bell is that she has been an advocate for alternative schooling and education.
Bell’s parents were both educators who believed in the Montessori method of teaching. This led to Bell attending a non-traditional school called The Village School until she was thirteen years old. In an interview with Parents Magazine, Bell stated that the Montessori method taught her how to be self-sufficient and take responsibility for her own learning.
After leaving The Village School, Bell attended public school but continued to have a passion for alternative education. She even worked as a teacher at a preschool before becoming an actress.
In recent years, Kristen Bell has become an advocate for alternative schooling options such as homeschooling and unschooling. She believes that traditional schools can stifle creativity and limit children’s potential by forcing them into rigid schedules and curriculums.
In 2014, Bell gave a TEDx talk titled “The Value of Vulnerability.” During this talk, she shared her personal struggles with anxiety and depression. She also spoke about finding solace in art classes during high school when traditional academic subjects did not interest her.
Beyond advocating for alternative education methods through interviews and talks like these, Kristen Bell has also taken action to support them. In 2020, she partnered with Walmart to donate $150k worth of laptops to students who were struggling with virtual learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bell has also spoken out about the importance of mental health resources in schools. In 2018, she wrote an op-ed for Time magazine where she discussed how access to mental health resources could help prevent school shootings.
One way that Kristen Bell promotes alternative education is by sharing information on social media platforms like Instagram. She frequently posts about books she’s reading, podcasts she’s listening to, and other resources for parents who are interested in alternative education methods.
Bell has also been open about her own parenting style. She and her husband, Dax Shepard, have talked about how they incorporate Montessori principles into their home life. They encourage their daughters to take responsibility for their own learning and allow them to make mistakes without fear of punishment.
Kristen Bell’s advocacy for alternative schooling has not gone unnoticed by the education community. In 2018, she was honored at the Ed Schoolhouse event hosted by Education First. This event celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to improving education in America.
In conclusion, Kristen Bell is more than just a talented actress; she is an advocate for alternative schooling and education. Her personal experiences with non-traditional schools have shaped her beliefs on the importance of creativity, self-sufficiency, and mental health resources in education. Through her philanthropic work and social media presence, Bell continues to promote these ideas and inspire others to explore alternative education options.
Alternative Amie 
Leave a comment