Montessori teacher training

About Montessori

Who was Maria Montessori?

Montessori teaching is based on the work of Maria Montessori. In the 20th century, she was one of the most influential pioneers of educational theory relating to young children.

She was born in 1870 in Italy and was a pioneer in more than one area, being the first woman to graduate from the University of Rome as a doctor of medicine. This led her to become interested in children with learning difficulties, those probably termed 'special needs children' today. She approached the challenges of education as a scientist rather than as an educator or philosopher. Working with many young children she used the classroom as an educational laboratory in which to observe them and to try out new ideas and techniques. Her method is founded on a warm and secure environment in which children can most easily absorb information.

It has proved enormously successful throughout the world. Her methodology uses a practical approach within a carefully planned learning environment. Her philosophy centres on the freedom of the child. She believed that children were by nature motivated to learn and, if provided with stimulating activities appropriate to their stage of development, they will absorb knowledge without effort. Renowned throughout the world, her portrait was until recently published on Italian bank notes!

Why do we use Montessori?

We use it because it is effective. Alongside other methods and techniques, it has a proven successful track record in the early years of child development in maximising each child's own abilities. It provides a very solid foundation and academic base for children right at the start of their school life.

Ours is not the only school in England that uses the Montessori method: see, for example, the interesting article in The Independent of 16 March 2006. There was also some interesting coverage in the national press on 29 September 2006 about a study of the effect on children of education by the Montessori method: see The Times, The Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail.

Why train as a Montessori teacher?

Many teachers have recognised the benefits that the Montessori methods can offer young children and have therefore added a Montessori qualification to their existing teaching degrees etc. For others considering a teaching career and focused on the Early Years development stages, Montessori training offers an entry to teaching via a teaching qualification that is recognised and taught in many countries around the world.

Many Montessori-qualified teachers go on to add additional teaching qualifications to teach older children or specifically to address special needs such as dyslexia. The techniques and philosophy of Montessori remain relevant for teachers addressing any stage of a child's academic schooling.