Montessori teacher training

Where does Montessori training lead?

Montessori-trained teachers work in schools all over the world. Many go on to add further teaching qualifications, such as a diploma in the teaching of dyslexic children or adults. A number use the Montessori diploma as a qualification to start a university course in teaching (e.g. a Bachelor of Education honours degree or similar, such as that offered by the University of London's Institute of Education). Studying for this can either be full time at university or by completing such courses on an in-service basis as the teacher continues to teach in a school. Of course, the entry requirements for each university and its degree courses vary but a number of staff at Prospect House School or its sister schools have followed these routes with great success.

Here is what two recently qualified Montessori students who are now full time teachers have said about the Montessori course:

"The Montessori course provided us with a thorough insight into teaching. We had the opportunity to work alongside qualified teachers in a structured Montessori environment, gaining first hand experience of working with children of different ages. It has therefore encouraged and enabled us to further our teaching careers."

Early Years Foundation Stage (children aged 3 to 5)

Montessori teachers work principally with children aged 3 to 5; in the UK this is known as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Since September 2008 the qualifications of adults who work with children in the EYFS have been strictly regulated by the government and every qualification has been awarded a level dependent on the complexity of the course of study. To have sole charge of a class or a group of children larger than 8 any teacher or child care professional must now hold a Level 6 qualification. The International Diploma is graded as Level 4 and the Montessori Foundation Certificate is graded as Level 2. Prospective students must therefore be aware that they will need to undertake further study after finishing the course to enable them to have sole charge of a class larger than 8 pupils.