Montessori Teacher Training and Distance Learning
Qualified teachers are always in demand, and this is particularly true of Montessori teachers. The Montessori method, which focuses on allowing children to develop their own talents and potential through individualized work, has been popular for nearly a century. However, potential Montessori teachers can be put off by the amount of time required for training. Recently, several programs have begun to offer Montessori teacher training through distance learning to allow candidates to complete their coursework while holding down a full-time job.
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Training
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Montessori distance training is mostly textbook-based, though several innovative programs, such as the United Montessori Association, offer email and video tutorials to supplement these written lessons. As with traditional Montessori teacher training, trainees select the age group that they would like to work with and concentrate on approaches designed for these students. Montessori age groups include infant/toddler (grades 0 to 3), preschool and kindergarten (grades 3 to 6), lower elementary (grades 6 to 9) and upper elementary (grades 6 to 12).
Duration
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One of the benefits of Montessori teacher training through distance learning is that the student is allowed to work at her own pace, within limits. For example, the North American Montessori Center offers three components, each of which must be completed within two months and 10 days. However, it does grant extensions in exceptional circumstances.
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Tuition
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Tuition depends on the age level the student wishes to teach and can range from less than $1,000 to $10,000.
Continuing Education
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Some organizations, such as Montessori Live, have taken the distance learning model and begun to use it for continuing training of current Montessori teachers. These programs offer videos and podcasts of classroom situations and can focus on anything from how to teach a certain concept to how to manage difficult situations. Students who have completed their Montessori teacher training through distance learning may wish to continually refer to these resources as a way of staying up-to-date with advances and keeping in touch with the larger Montessori community.
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References
- Photo Credit computer image by Hao Wang from Fotolia.com
