The Montessori philosophy is a specialized niche within the educational field. All teachers must possess certain skills to work with children, plan lessons and manage a classroom, but Montessori teachers must also be well-versed in the Montessori method to successfully implement the philosophy. As a result, Montessori teachers do require more training than a typical early education teacher.
Basic trainings for an early education teacher include:
First Aid/CPR
Classroom Management
Lesson Planning
Basic Child Development
Discipline Strategies
Curriculum Implementation
In addition to these skills, a Montessori teacher also has specialized skills to utilize in their classroom. For that reason, Montessori teachers must have training beyond the typical bachelor’s degree to work in the unique Montessori environment.
Philosophy
The Montessori Method is based on the philosophy and teachings of Maria Montessori. Montessori teachers take extensive training to understand the guiding philosophies behind the method that explain the intentionality of the materials, prepared environment and classroom culture.
Materials and Lessons
The Montessori lessons follow a specific structure and flow to ensure that the child masters the intended skills before moving on. The materials in the classroom provide hands on experiences for the child, and the teacher guides the child through individualized lessons to use the materials properly so they learn all the intended skills. A Montessori teacher is trained on the progression of the lessons and how to introduce them so the child can master each step of the way.
Variety of Curriculum Topics
The Montessori classroom includes lessons from a variety of subjects. In addition to the four core areas of Practical Life, Sensorial, Math and Language, Montessori classrooms contain lessons in Geography, Art, Science, Music and Peace Education. All of these subjects work together to form the holistic curriculum of the Montessori Method, so teachers must have a strong understanding of all these lessons to create the best possible environment for their students’ success.
Montessori Training Options
Montessori teachers can be trained through a few different certification programs. Some training programs are online while others are in person. These programs can last a one to three years depending on the type of training. The important thing to take into consideration if you are thinking of becoming a certified Montessori teacher is to choose a reputable program that will be adequate for the type of school you wish to work at upon completion. The American Montessori Society, Association Montessori International and the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education are good places to begin searching for a Montessori training program in the United States. Most of these require bachelor’s degree in addition to the program to complete your certification. You can click here to learn more about becoming a Montessori teacher.
If you are looking for a Montessori school with well-trained teachers in the Bay Area, contact Fountainhead Montessori today. We would love to tell you more about the Montessori Method and see if we would be a good fit for your family.