Montessori Education
Montessori is an educational philosophy and methodology that supports student-centered teaching and learning. Through this hands-on, discovery approach to learning, students work at a flexible pace and experience a high rate of success. Classes are multi-aged and foster cooperation vs. competition. Respect for others and the environment, and responsibility for one's own learning are cornerstones of the Montessori philosophy.
Montessori teachers are specially trained facilitators who guide students to explore their world, think creatively and critically, and become self-directed learners. Academic achievement is a major focus in the Montessori classroom. As students work independently they are empowered by the knowledge they acquire and maintain a love of learning. In addition, growing social and emotional skills is an essential part of the Montessori classroom. By incorporating both an emphasis on academic achievement and social/emotional skills, Montessori teachers are truly able to teach the whole child.
The Montessori Method is used worldwide & celebrated its 100th birthday in 2007. Since 1995, approximately 44 public schools in 22 districts in South Carolina continue to offer Montessori education as an instructional program of choice for families. Most of these programs are at the pre-school and elementary level however, there are six middle schools programs and plans are in place for a secondary Montessori program to be offered through grade 12.
Principles of a Montessori Classroom
- Experiential learning - Children need to learn through experiences.
- Independence - It is a goal of a Montessori classroom to make the children independent. “Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” – Maria Montessori.
- Follow the Child - Children will show you what they can do, what they need to learn, and what area they need to be challenged in. Montessori classrooms use observation as a means to assess progress.
- Mixed-age classrooms - Montessori classrooms include mixed ages. Classrooms are typically divided into three year groups (e.g., 3-6 year olds, 6-9 year olds).
- Uninterrupted work period - Montessori classrooms have uninterrupted work periods (generally 2-3 hours depending on age).
- Freedom within limits - The learning in a Montessori classroom is child-directed. A teacher gives a child a lesson he hasn’t had before. Then the child can independently choose to work on it when he pleases. (Choice & Interest)
- Role of the teacher - A Montessori teacher is sometimes referred to as a guide, rather than a teacher. The Montessori teacher carefully observes the children working in order to know who needs a new lesson, who needs additional support, and who needs to be challenged.
- Educating the whole child - Montessori focuses on educating the whole child, including physical, spiritual, social, mental and emotional education.
- Personalized curriculum - If a Montessori class has 25 different students, each of those 25 will be at a different academic level; and therefore, each child will be on a different learning path. The learning paths are observed and tracked by the teacher.
- Prepared environment - Montessori classrooms are referred to as a “prepared environment.” This means classrooms are intentionally designed with the children in mind with everything they need to explore and learn independently. The prepared environment supports the need for order in the environment and in the minds of the children.
- Extrinsic rewards are avoided - Tying extrinsic rewards to learning negatively impacts motivation to engage in that learning experience when the reward is withdrawn.
- Peace education - Maria Montessori lived during a time of war. She placed great emphasis on peace education in the Montessori classroom.
This compiled list of principles used multiple resources. For more detailed information please visit:
Montessori Curriculum Crosswalks
The Montessori curriculum crosswalks are designed to be a guide for Montessori teachers as they are planning their daily lessons, pulling small groups for instruction, providing one-on-one lessons, and monitoring their students’ progress. The purpose of the crosswalks is to show the alignment between the Montessori curriculum (methods & materials) and the South Carolina College and Career-Ready Standards. These crosswalks target the Math and Language Montessori curriculum.
Additional Montessori Resources
For additional support and information contact the South Carolina Montessori Alliance.
Montessori Teacher Education in South Carolina
South Carolina currently has six Montessori Teacher Education Programs that are MACTE accredited.
Lander University Teacher Training - Greenwood, SC
Website: https://www.lander.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-education/teacher-education/montessori-education
Palmetto Montessori Institute - Florence, SC
Program Contact: Dr. Floyd Creech - ph. 843-673-1129
Seacoast Center for Education - Mount Pleasant, SC
Program Contact: Gary Davidson - ph. 800-968-5254
Website: http://www.seacoastcenter.com/
Northeast Montessori Institute - Mount Pleasant, SC
Program Contact: Martha Monahan - ph. 207-236-6316
For information on all aspects of Teacher Certification visit the Office of Educator Services.
