Job Discussion Forums

[undrmynd]

Just wondering what people think about the Montessori teaching program for teaching overseas. Has anyone taken any of their courses? I was thinking of getting my TEFL, teaching for a year then coming home to take the Montessori program. I was told that a lot of schools overseas really want teachers that have taken that program for teaching children. Any information about what schools are looking for to teach pre-school/ kindergarten would be great. Thank you all...

[Roger]

I don't think the Montessori philosophy is widely sought in foreign countries although it is a fine one. I read that book (forgot the author's name) about this school of thought, and it opened my eyes to the kindergarten reality at a time when I was teaching preschoolers myself.
Montessori programmes are offered by established Montessori schools, and teachers who have taken such a course are expected to serve in other Montessori establishments.
But the schools that run under the "Montessori" name are not run in an uniform way. This is because M is but a philosophy rather than a concept in stone.
I would wholeheartedly encourage you to take their training wherever it is on offer.
One proviso: there are a number of other schools of thought vying for recognition, including the Rudolf Steiner school. To some extent, they all appear to be a little cultish and therefore secretive. Admission can be dicey!

[naturegirl321]

One of the key things about Montessori, so I've been told, is the circle. We use that at our school, circles for class. But I really don't know much about the Montessori method. Where I come from, it doesn't have a good name.

[grahamb]

Maybe they confused it with the name of a mafia godfather!