IT'S OFFICIAL!!!!!
I'm graduating with a grown up job!!!!! I accepted my first teaching job and what an opportunity. It is at a Montessori school which has a completely different philosophy of teaching. The education level is so much higher. In the findings of students in public school vs. Montessori, Montessori students scored 20-30 points above in Social, academic, emotional, and mental tests. I LOVE how the students are treated with respect and are expected to make decisions. Think about if children can learn to make good decisions imagine them as adults. The other really cool thing is that in order to be a Montessori Teacher you have to have training which coasts THOUSANDS of dollars. The school I'm working with pays for half of my training and after three years of teaching will have paid it all back to me. It also goes toward my masters and by the end I will have half of my masters finished. I will be teaching the upper Elementary grades so 4th, 5th and 6th grades. It is multi aged classroom so I will have all three grades together all day long. The idea is that students get to learn at their own pace. So if i have a student who struggles in math and is in 5th grade they can work on things with the students that are in 4th grade and vice verse if a child is above average they don't get board they move on. Which is so stinkin cool as a teacher to have the capacity to do that. So here's to being a grown up, and have a SALARY!!!!! WOOOT WOOOOT Here are a few of the key points and differences between public schools and a Montessori Education......
Key Points of the Montessori Method of Education
- Montessori schools promote respect for children as unique individuals. The child’s social and emotional development along with academic development is of great concern.
- Montessori schools are supportive schools where children don’t get lost in the crowd.
- Peace education is paramount to the Montessori philosophy. Dr. Maria Montessori was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times in her lifetime.
- Classrooms are bright and exciting environments for learning.
- The classrooms are multi-age classes which span three grade levels-children develop close and long-term relationships with teachers and classmates.
- The multi-grade classroom encourages a strong sense of community and teachers come to know each child’s learning style.
- Classrooms are not teacher centered but child centered. This allows students to develop their leadership skills and independence.
- The Montessori method assumes that children are born intelligent, they simply learn in different ways and progress at their own pace. Multiple intelligences are recognized and encouraged. Students move ahead as quickly as they are ready.
- Texts and workbooks are rarely used because many of the skills and concepts are abstract and a text simply doesn’t bring them to life.
- Montessori relies on hands-on, concrete materials to introduce new concepts. Investigation and research are experiences that actively engage the student.
- Learning is not based on rote drill and memorization.
- Montessori schools set high expectations and challenges all students not just those considered “gifted”.
- The students develop self-discipline and an integral sense of purpose and motivation.
- Montessori schools normally promote diversity in their student body, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and global perspective.
- Students develop a love of the natural world-outdoor education is a very important part of the Montessori curriculum.
- Students learn to care and contribute to others through their community service.
- Montessori teachers facilitate learning, coach students and come to know them as friends and mentors.
- Students learn that mistakes are natural steps in the learning process.
- Montessori students learn to collaborate and work together on major projects. They strive for their personal best in this non-graded environment rather than competing for the highest grade in the class.
- Families are important in these caring environments.
