Montessori Teacher Training: A Study of One’s Self
The real preparation for education is a study of one’s self. The training of the teacher who is to help life is something far more than the learning of ideas. It includes the training of character, it is a preparation of the spirit. (Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind)
On the path to becoming a Montessori teacher, many have come across this powerful quote by Maria Montessori. 
Though rich with meaning and motivation, the quote can also be perplexing. What is the importance of this spiritual preparedness? Is the study of one’s self really such a key part of training to be a Montessori teacher?
The answer is a resounding “yes!” (Or at least it should be.) A truly authentic Montessori Teacher Training program will have a strong emphasis on the spiritual preparation of teachers-to-be.
“Good, quality Montessori training is a very deep study of childhood development; it is a spiritual transformation; it is an analysis of everything it takes to help the child.”~Mary Ellen Maunz, M.Ed., Founder, Program Director, Age of Montessori
Maria Montessori emphasized the spiritual preparation of the teacher, even over the academic aspects of learning. She encouraged her teachers-in-training to recognize their own personal limitations, and to acknowledge any preconceived ideas about children. She explained that the all-important relationship between teacher and child hinges on the teacher’s inner-attitude and resulting outer-approach.
Students from Age of Montessori’s Early Childhood Certification Program are often amazed at their own mental and spiritual transformations. Revelation becomes a common theme as they fully realize that training to become a Montessori educator is much more than learning a teaching method. To truly study the mission of Montessori is
to embark upon a life-changing journey. The immense breadth and depth of Montessori’s wisdom is as applicable to adults as it is to children. Learning the Montessori method is really about learning to help life.
The whole concept of education changes. It becomes a matter of giving help to the child’s life, to the psychological development of man. No longer is it just an enforced task of retaining our words and ideas. This is the new path on which education has been put; to help the mind in its process of development, to aid its energies and strengthen its many powers. (Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind)
A quality, authentic Montessori teacher training will offer an in-depth understanding of what Montessori really is. It is essential to understand not just the ideas, but the purpose behind the ideas. To hear real Montessori teacher training students discuss their insightful journey with Age of Montessori’s Early Childhood Certification Program, listen as they share their stories in AoM Live! 2015. 
Join Us for a Conversation between Teachers and Students from the Age of Montessori Early Childhood Certification Program.
Discovering the message behind the method.
Join us as the online students meet the faculty and each other face-to-face for the first time at the summer practicum. Listen to some great stories as they share and reflect on their experiences. See why they have such a profound commitment to educating children with the Montessori method today.
Presenters:
Mary Ellen Maunz, M.Ed. and Team, Age of Montessori
