Montessori training is it worth it?

[Dawn-o-might]

I am a new teacher who is planning to start her teaching career next fall. I am having a hard time deciding if the time and money is worth investing in Montessori training. I strongly believe in creating a student directed and respectful classroom. I want to stay away from a discipline system which revolves around rewards and punishments. I want to teach for understanding not just rote memorization or abstract concepts. I believe that for real learning to take place the student has to construct the learning and that it has to be personal to them. I don't believe in mindless drill and practice or worksheets. I want to have a sucessful first year as a new teacher and I am looking for the best school for me.

I am worried that my teaching philosophy and goals will be hard to incorporate into a traditional public school. I feel like I will be "going against the grain" since most schools seem to be set up as the antithesis of my ideal teaching situation.

I am not that familiar with Montessori teaching, but I have skimmed a few books and have been lurking on this board for a while. I also had a school visit with a charter Montessori school in my area. I was very impressed! They mentioned a 9-12 year old position opening next fall and said that they were interested in seeing how I fit with their school.

The trouble is that, as I understand it, I would need both 6-9 and 9-12 training. They accept AMS and the local montessori program would end up costing about $15,000 for both certifications. It would also span about two full years during which time I believe I would be hired as an assistant or co-teacher. The pay would comparison would be anywhere from $8-$15 hourly as an assistant compared to $18 as a directress or a new teacher at a traditional public school. I would aslo have to pay for my DS to attend the Montessori preschool. I think I might get a 50% discount as an employee.

I am wondering if it is worth the time and money. The whole reason that I am going to work after being a SAHM for the last 2 years is the need for more money. So it seems conterproductive to spend more money and time to teach Montessori when I could very easily start right away at a traditional public school.

Please help!!! I don't know what to do.


Dawn

[Montessori Mommy]

I don't think anybody can answer the question "is it worth the time and money" besides you, but I have some thoughts.

Firstly, I think "Dumbing Us Down" by John Taylor Gatto should be required reading for anyone considering the teaching profession. He was a public school teacher for 30 years, and won all sorts of awards for his teaching excellence. The book has a lot of insight, particularly for those passionate to teach and make a difference in education.

The second thing, you mentioned, "I strongly believe in creating a student directed and respectful classroom." This is not how public school is structured. There is not student directed learning. There is a set schedule of this class now, that class next, here a quiz, there a test, etc. If you feel strongly about these convictions, I wouldn't think you'd be happy in a public school environment (unless, maybe, you're working at a charter school of some sort).

Montessori is a philosophy. I suggest you read what you can to decide if you agree with the philosophy. Dr. Montessori books can be a bit heavy at first, but there are several other books and websites that can give you a more concise introduction to it. One good book to check out, that dispels misconceptions and explains Montessori from a pro/con perspective is: "The Montessori Controversy" by John Chattin-McNichols.

Here are my personal opinions on Montessori certification. If you are passionate about Montessori and want to get involved, get certified. Most M. schools worth their salt will require certification as it's critical to understand the role of the directress and work in the classroom. It's less about teaching and more about observing and understanding children, and being there to guide them when they need you. It is expensive, no doubt, but it is also something you will always have, for your own children, or for any other Montessori school you might move to. Several of the schools around me will pay for training and certification of their employees. They usually start out as assistants and once training is complete, become a lead. The programs around here are set up so that training is on a weekend (not every weekend) and then a 2 or 3 week more intensive study in the summer time. It takes a year to get MACTE certified in this program. You can get more information on how to get MACTE certified where you live by visiting: http://www.macte.org

You can also check out various Montessori schools in your area to see: if they pay for training and also if they let your children attend for free or at what discount. They are all different.

If you are just doing this for the money, then yes, getting certified would require more time, effort, possibly money than working at a public school. It boils down to what you are willing to do for that money. If you think you might not enjoy teaching at a public school because you are not aligned with their doctrines of teaching, than I'd say it's not worth the money anyway, and not worth it to your children to have a mother that doesn't enjoy her work. If you feel that Montessori is something you are in tune with, and need the money, but don't want to get certified at this time, you can always be an assistant, or ask if they have an office job there too. You can always decide to get certified later if you find it's something you're passionate about. Hope that helps, and good luck!

[Lillianna]

It definitely sounds like you are more aligned with the Montessori philosophy than that of public schooling! You sound like a Montessorian to me!

I strongly believe in creating a student directed and respectful classroom. I want to stay away from a discipline system which revolves around rewards and punishments. I want to teach for understanding not just rote memorization or abstract concepts. I believe that for real learning to take place the student has to construct the learning and that it has to be personal to them. I don't believe in mindless drill and practice or worksheets.

I think you would love it!!! Although, IME you will make more "money" in public school. There are public M cropping up now too. If the school will hire you while you are training, it sounds like a good deal (even though you won't be paid as well at first). The elementary training is awesome. The elementary years build on lessons the child was given in Primary, so there is a short overview of 3-6 before beginning the 6-12 training, for AMI, which is done all in one academic year. You can also apply AMI training to a Master's in Ed. Have you seen the AMI site for teacher training? There is a list of schools looking to sponsor under "financial aid". I would just encourage you to look into all your options, AMI training is recognized world wide.
To me, it was worth the time and the money to go for training. I now have a fulfilling and inspriring career, lots of job opportunities, and holidays and summer off to be with my family. In M, you can be creative, and there is always more to learn about mastering the art of the presentation and gaining a more complete understanding of the theories. It's also great for all the reasons you mentioned above - a noncompetitive and nurturing learning environment.
Hope this helps! Good luck with your decision.

[anotherKatrina]

I agree with everything the pp's wrote.

If your heart is drawn to a Montessori teaching approach, then teaching in a "regular" school is going to feel like you are poking your eye with a stick on a daily basis.

I'm just a mom, not a teacher, but I've been involved in my kids' Montessori schooling for the past 8 years. Their teachers have become my friends. I also have friends who work in public schools. I see a huge difference between the two kinds of teachers. My M friends are happier. They find their work fulfilling and even energizing. My public school friends are exhausted and are forever trying to find ways to teach effectively around all the district policy being thrown at them.

Of course, the quality of the school plays a huge part on both sides of the fence, but this is the pattern I see.

I hope you stay with us!

Good luck with your decision!

Katrina

[OhTheThinks.....]

Yes, yes if you can find a way to work it our financially and balance with your family's needs I would highly recommend Montessori Training.
Also I agree, if you are going to spend that amount of money and time, definately go for an AMI/AMS/MACTE accredited school. That way you can have so many options open to you in your future teaching career.
As for applying to public school..........difficult yes, impossible no. And if you are a go-getter, damn the torpedoes type of person I think it can be a success. The parents and children will love you !
Good luck to you.