The Montessori Orientation Course
A self-paced online course to for anybody working in a Montessori school,
including non-classroom based staff.
A great way to align all school staff with basic Montessori philosophy and practices, so that you can focus on the specifics about your school.
“To consider the school as a place where instruction is given is one point of view. But to consider the school as a preparation for life is another. In the latter case, the school must satisfy all the needs of life.“
- Maria Montessori
The Montessori Orientation Course is geared toward all members of the community, making it a useful tool for operations staff, custodial staff, volunteers, and others.
Everyone in a Montessori school plays an important role in the success of the school. Non-classroom staff and volunteers also support the academic, social, and emotional needs of diverse groups of children - both directly and indirectly. Working as a team is invaluable to the entire learning community.
This self paced course includes an introduction to Montessori, and covers basic Montessori concepts and terms. It also reviews the planes of development and key elements of Montessori environments, and prepares adults, new and seasoned, for working in their Montessori communities.
Take the course alongside your staff, who can enroll individually. Or give everyone access and enroll your entire school.
This self paced course is designed by a team of Montessori educators and administrators.
After hearing feedback from current and previous Montessori school leaders about the need to orient new staff, this course provides an ongoing solution. With a school subscription, communities can enroll as many participants as needed across the school year. This supports orientation for late hires, interns, long-term substitutes, or anyone joining your Montessori school.
“Only through freedom and environmental experience is it practically possible for human development to occur.”
- Maria Montessori
The Montessori Orientation Course is for
Adults working in Montessori classrooms
Operations staff
Facilities and janitorial staff
Interns or Volunteers
Long term substitutes
Anyone associated with your school who has a role in supporting Montessori educators
What you can expect
As staff take the course, each of the 5 sections end with a reflection. When participants fill out a reflection, they will enter their email address, and their response will automatically be emailed to them so that they have a copy. In addition, the course provides a note-taking tool for participants to track their questions and thoughts through the sections. We encourage you to discuss their reflection responses and notes with them either individually or as a group. You can also ask your staff to forward them to you in order to gain a better understanding of what they have learned from the course and what remaining questions they may have.
The beauty of this asynchronous course is that it can be taken at any point during the school year! We hope it is helpful in maintaining an informed, open, curious staff as you continue to build a strong Montessori community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this course for?
This course is directed toward anybody working in a Montessori school. It is geared toward everyone, so it is great for operations staff, custodial staff, volunteers, and more. (Please note that we have a specific Assistants’ Course for classroom assistants and paraprofessionals/aides).
What does the course include?
The course includes an introduction to Montessori, and covers basic Montessori concepts and terms. It also reviews the planes of development and key elements of Montessori environments. This course includes information about grace and courtesy, and how to communicate with children in a Montessori school. Participants will walk away with a better understanding of each stage of development, why observation and slowing down is important, and a brief overview of some Montessori terms and concepts they might hear around the school.
I’m a lead teacher or school leader. Can I take this course?
Yes! It’s a great course to take alongside your staff. You can use the tools provided as a school. You can enroll either individually, or gain access if you choose to enroll your entire school.
How can I introduce this course to my school team?
There are options! You can invite participants to complete the course on their own, followed by a discussion or meeting, or you can have participants complete different sections during professional development time.
How do I know if my team is working on the course?
There are reflections embedded in the course; via a Google Form, each participant will be emailed their responses. There is also a note-taking tool for them to capture ideas o questions along the way. You can invite staff members to bring their responses to meetings or PDs, or even ask them to forward their responses to you.
How many hours does it take to complete the course?
About 5 hours. There are reflections embedded throughout the course; depending on how long you spend on the reflections, the course may be longer or shorter. If you complete this course with a group, we suggest taking time during the reflections for small and large group discussions.
Is there an easy way to enroll multiple staff members?
Yes! You can contact us and we can help enroll your entire school for 1 academic year for $750.00. Then, as staff members join your team, we can enroll them manually and you do not have to worry about paying per person.
What are the payment options and how do I/we get started?
Payment can be completed individually, or by purchase order/invoicing if completing a school order.
Self paced, five modules.
Module topics:
Introduction: Montessori
Montessori Concepts and Terms
Planes of Development and the Montessori Environment
Grace, Courtesy, and Communication
You as the Prepared Adult
Cost: $75 (individual/year), $750 (whole school/year)