See what former MMTEI students have to say about the program:
What drew you to Montessori?
"The philosophy always resonated with me and I was curious to learn more. When I observed a class at Woodland Montessori I was taken with the "magic" I witnessed as the children worked."
"I've always had a strong interest in alternative education. Public school wasn't the best fit for me when I was growing up and I wanted more freedom, creativity and nurturing for my own kids than most public schools have to offer. I think the Practical Life aspect was what first drew me to Montessori, and then I learned about Maria Montessori's great respect for the child and I knew immediately that Montessori had a philosophy I could believe in."
"I appreciated that each child is treated and respected as an individual and that the method recognizes that each child learns in different ways at his or her own pace. I was also impressed by the idea of allowing freedom within a prepared environment. After beginning my training and learning more about the Montessori Method, my passion for Montessori education has grown and I can't imagine ever returning to the public school system."
What was your favorite part about the MMTEI teacher training program?
"The kids! All of the kids that I worked with during my intern year. Second would be the truly supportive environment of this teacher training program."
"I am grateful for the way the Montana Montessori Teacher Education Institute invested in me. We were able to learn from teachers with years of experience and who have witnessed the Montessori philosophy in action. The support that they gave was unmatched. They were intentional to equip us with practical tools to use in our own classrooms while also upholding the Montessori philosophy. It gave me great confidence knowing that I was surrounded by seasoned teachers who were eager and willing to help."
What advice would you give to any future MMTEI students?
"First - the program is harder than you think, but so worth it! I highly recommend this training. Second - put your albums together, as much as you possibly can, the very first summer of training! It will help you get to know them and the exercises, and later on in the year you will be so thankful that you did."
"Work hard. Make the most of it. Keep going. At times, you’ll need to remind yourself of the motivations and feelings that led you to start, because they’ll feel far away amidst all the assignments and technicality of the program. When it’s all over, you may have to win them back by observing children, rereading Montessori literature, and spending time with Montessori families who love and live the approach."
What three qualities do you think define a true Montessorian?
"A true Montessorian should be an effective observer, she should serve as the dynamic link between the children and the prepared environment, and she should strive to be a life long learner."
"1) Respect for the child; 2) A willingness to step back; 3) A sense of delight"
"The philosophy always resonated with me and I was curious to learn more. When I observed a class at Woodland Montessori I was taken with the "magic" I witnessed as the children worked."
"I've always had a strong interest in alternative education. Public school wasn't the best fit for me when I was growing up and I wanted more freedom, creativity and nurturing for my own kids than most public schools have to offer. I think the Practical Life aspect was what first drew me to Montessori, and then I learned about Maria Montessori's great respect for the child and I knew immediately that Montessori had a philosophy I could believe in."
"I appreciated that each child is treated and respected as an individual and that the method recognizes that each child learns in different ways at his or her own pace. I was also impressed by the idea of allowing freedom within a prepared environment. After beginning my training and learning more about the Montessori Method, my passion for Montessori education has grown and I can't imagine ever returning to the public school system."
What was your favorite part about the MMTEI teacher training program?
"The kids! All of the kids that I worked with during my intern year. Second would be the truly supportive environment of this teacher training program."
"I am grateful for the way the Montana Montessori Teacher Education Institute invested in me. We were able to learn from teachers with years of experience and who have witnessed the Montessori philosophy in action. The support that they gave was unmatched. They were intentional to equip us with practical tools to use in our own classrooms while also upholding the Montessori philosophy. It gave me great confidence knowing that I was surrounded by seasoned teachers who were eager and willing to help."
What advice would you give to any future MMTEI students?
"First - the program is harder than you think, but so worth it! I highly recommend this training. Second - put your albums together, as much as you possibly can, the very first summer of training! It will help you get to know them and the exercises, and later on in the year you will be so thankful that you did."
"Work hard. Make the most of it. Keep going. At times, you’ll need to remind yourself of the motivations and feelings that led you to start, because they’ll feel far away amidst all the assignments and technicality of the program. When it’s all over, you may have to win them back by observing children, rereading Montessori literature, and spending time with Montessori families who love and live the approach."
What three qualities do you think define a true Montessorian?
"A true Montessorian should be an effective observer, she should serve as the dynamic link between the children and the prepared environment, and she should strive to be a life long learner."
"1) Respect for the child; 2) A willingness to step back; 3) A sense of delight"
