We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Taysiah Lawson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Taysiah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

If I could change one thing about the education system, it would be eliminating the “one size fits all” approach. Every child learns differently, has unique interests, and processes the world in their own way, yet most traditional systems still expect uniform outcomes and compliance-based learning. This is not only outdated but deeply ineffective in preparing students for a fulfilling life or career.

My perspective shifted entirely when I began using the Montessori method to homeschool my own child. The transformation was undeniable. For the first time, I saw learning from the child’s point of view, not as a rigid structure but as a guided exploration based on individual readiness, curiosity, and pace. That experience changed everything. I realized that if my child could thrive with this approach, so could others.

That realization inspired our work at Building Green Blocks Inc., where we developed a Saturday Co-Op program rooted in individualized learning. Every child who entered our doors was given an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), tailored to their academic needs, strengths, and goals. Over time, we began to see real progress, not just in their grades, but in their confidence and willingness to take ownership of their learning. Parents would tell us how much more motivated and focused their children were after just a few weeks.

But we knew that academics were only half the equation. So we integrated social emotional learning into every aspect of our curriculum through community circles, practical life lessons, collaborative projects, and open dialogue. We saw children who were once shy and withdrawn begin to lead presentations, express themselves clearly, and build meaningful friendships. That affirmed what we always believed: whole child education is the future.

That’s why we’re now launching Green Brilliance Academy, a virtual Montessori school for ages 3 to 14. It’s more than just a school. It’s a movement. Our academy will combine Montessori principles with culturally grounded, neurodiverse affirming, and nature-based learning. We’re creating a space where students are seen, heard, and empowered, whether they’re gifted, need more support, or fall somewhere in between.

Through Green Brilliance Academy, we’re building a world where education is personalized, community centered, and joyful. And that, to me, is what truly prepares children for a brilliant life and future.

Taysiah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Taysiah Lawson. I’m an educator, curriculum developer, Montessori practitioner, youth advocate, and co-founder of Building Green Blocks Inc., a nonprofit focused on transforming education through culturally grounded, individualized, and community-driven learning it’s a safe, empowering space for all underserved communities to access opportunity, healing, and growth.

My path into education began in an unexpected place, the criminal justice system. I worked as a correction officer at both the state and county levels. That experience gave me a deep understanding of how early educational gaps and systemic failures often lead our youth down dangerous paths. I knew I wanted to be part of the solution, not just witness the aftermath.

Eventually, I became an elementary school teacher, and it was there that I began to understand how much the traditional classroom model was failing many students. I saw firsthand that school is not a one size fits all system. Every child has a unique way of learning, and forcing them into rigid structures often stifles their potential instead of nurturing it.

When I became a mother, everything I had experienced came full circle. I felt called to homeschool my child and began searching for an approach that would honor his individuality and curiosity. That’s when I discovered the Montessori method. It completely changed my perspective on what education could look like. Hands-on, self-directed, deeply respectful of the child’s developmental rhythm. I knew this approach was something I had to share with others.

That passion led me to join a team of like-minded women to launch Building Green Blocks Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to redesigning how we educate children and support families. We began with Saturday enrichment classes that provided children with individualized education plans. Each child received personalized attention, and we saw a measurable increase in both their academic performance and social emotional development. We knew we were onto something powerful.

Today, Building Green Blocks offers a range of programs
• Virtual tutoring and academic coaching for grades K to 12
• Montessori homeschool consulting and support for parents
• Monthly Green Brilliance Boxes mailed to families (Fall 2026)
• Virtual and in-person summer camps including programs like Genius to CEO, Earth Crafters, MontiTech AI, and MIC CHECK LAB (Summer 2026)
• Our newest project, Green Brilliance Academy, a virtual Montessori school launching in Fall 2026

We are also leading professional development and national conversations about equitable, child-centered education. I’ll be presenting at the Black Montessori Education Fund conference on a topic I care deeply about, Rooted in Identity, Nature-Based STEAM Learning.

What makes us different is our belief that education should liberate, not limit. We are building ecosystems where children of all backgrounds, learning styles, and needs are seen, heard, and empowered. We integrate academic growth with identity development, life skills, creativity, and emotional wellness.

What I’m most proud of are the families who trusted us to walk alongside them, the children who found their voice through our programs, and the movement we’re building toward educational freedom. At Building Green Blocks, we are not just preparing students for tests. We are preparing them for life with brilliance, purpose, and joy.

We are now raising funding for our very first women’s center, Greenhouse Living Women’s Center, launching in Late Fall 2025/Spring 2026. This safe, nurturing transitional home will support women and children on their journeys to healing, stability, and long-term success.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that no one will fully understand your vision until it becomes tangible. For years, I poured my heart into ideas and initiatives that others couldn’t yet see, including some of the people closest to me. Not having my mother support me in all of my endeavors was heartbreaking. That pain forced me to confront something I had often told my students but hadn’t fully practiced myself, the importance of believing in your own light even when others don’t.

For over 11 years, I’ve told my students to trust the process, to keep going even when it’s hard, and to know that they are worthy and capable. Eventually, I realized I had to live that truth. I had to become the student in my own lesson. So I kept going. I kept building. I kept showing up for myself and my purpose.

Now, with the support of an incredible team, we are building Building Green Blocks brick by brick. What started as a vision is now a real and growing movement. We are changing lives every day, mine included.

Resilience, to me, is about continuing to walk even when the path is unclear. It is about having the courage to be the first believer. That is how we build something brilliant.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Absolutely. One of the most impactful resources that shaped my management and entrepreneurial philosophy is The Montessori Method by Maria Montessori. It taught me the value of observation, trust in the learner, and how to lead by guiding rather than controlling. These principles deeply influence how I lead both in education and in business.

Another powerful influence has been Start With Why by Simon Sinek. It reminded me that purpose drives everything. In the early days of Building Green Blocks, when things were uncertain, returning to my “why” kept me grounded. It helped me make decisions not based on fear or urgency but on long-term impact and vision.

I also draw inspiration from TED Talks and interviews featuring Black women leaders, creators, and educators who challenge the norm and build with intention. Hearing their stories reminds me that there is no one way to lead and that authenticity, community, and resilience are just as powerful as strategy and data.

Finally, my lived experiences are the greatest teacher of all. No book could have prepared me for the emotional weight of leading a nonprofit while being a mother, visionary, and community advocate. But it’s those real-life lessons that have shaped the leader I am today, one who leads with heart, clarity, and courage.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.buildinggreenblocks.org

Image Credits

Taysiah Lawson