Discovering Montessori Coaching: A Partnership for Growth
Post written by Catherine Oudjit, PMAI Director of Implementation
I didn’t know what to expect at my Montessori coaches’ training seven years ago. I never anticipated the life-altering journey that followed. To me, Montessori coaching feels like coming home—authentic, empowering, and deeply aligned with my values. What began as professional development became the compass that reshaped my career, confirming that one of the most powerful ways to foster children’s growth is by investing in those who guide them.
Montessori education is built on the idea that learning is lifelong—not just for children, but also for the adults who guide them. Just as Montessori professionals prepare their environments, schools must cultivate autonomy, curiosity, and growth for educators. If the Preparation of the Adult is key, the Montessori Coach can be the catalyst.
The Role of a Montessori Coach: A Guide, Partner, and Mirror
A Montessori coach is more than an educator or observer. They are facilitators of problem-solving, helping the school community tackle challenges with authenticity and resilience. Instead of quick fixes, coaches foster problem-solving, growth mindsets, and adaptability.
As a deep listener, a coach creates a space where educators feel heard and understood. Through thoughtful questioning and reflection, they help teachers articulate challenges, goals, and next steps. Coaches serve as thought partners, engaging in meaningful dialogue that sparks insight and innovation.
Coaching balances encouragement with accountability. A Montessori coach acts as a personal cheerleader, celebrating both large and small achievements. They also hold up a mirror when needed, helping us face difficult truths with compassion. By fostering honest reflection and analysis, Montessori coaches empower educators to move forward with a solution-focused mindset. They support every small step of implementation—because change takes work, humility, and as much courage as persistence.
Calibrating Montessori Education for Equity
The impact of Montessori coaching goes beyond individual professional growth—it is fundamental to educational equity. True equity ensures that every child has access to a high-quality, consistent Montessori education. It is inherently inclusive, fostering a sense of belonging and significance while honoring individual differences. Through coaching, educators receive the support needed to provide a coherent, high-quality Montessori experience for all students—not despite their unique profiles, but in thoughtful response to them.
When educators are well-supported, they bring clarity and depth to the learning environment. Schools that prioritize coaching cultivate consistency and equity, ensuring that every student benefits from a truly inclusive and high quality Montessori education.
The Lasting Impact of Montessori Coaching
Montessori coaching empowers rather than instructs, corrects, or oversees—it equips educators with the tools, mindset, and support to bring their best selves to work every day. Schools that embrace coaching foster a culture of shared learning, professional excellence, and commitment to Montessori education’s transformative power.
When educators thrive, children thrive. Investing in coaching is an investment in the most valuable resource of any school: the adults who bring Montessori to life.