Safi, who is studying to become a Montessori teacher, talks about her experiences within the Montessori education system.
How did you hear about Montessori? My country of origin, Sri Lanka, is highly influenced by Montessori. I attended a Montessori nursery as a child and there are lots of Montessori schools on the island. Many of my family members are Montessori teachers and own their own schools.
What is Montessori and why do you think it is the best way of educating children? Montessori is the worlds largest global education system. There are over 600 UK nurseries and 22,000 worldwide. It is a holistic, child-centred approach to early education and allows the child to learn independently, at his own pace. Montessori is not simply an educational system. It helps the child survive beyond school and into the real world.
Why did you decide to study to become a Montessori teacher? After doing voluntary teaching in Montessori schools back home, I knew I wanted to work with children in this environment. The resources in a Montessori classroom are really beautiful and the atmosphere is quite breathtaking. There are great career prospects worldwide which was also very important.
What attracts you to the course at Montessori Centre International, London? I want to study in London and it offers a new Foundation degree Montessori Early Childhood Practice. It is the first of its kind and enables me to graduate with a Montessori specialism. It is also in partnership with and validated by London Metropolitan University, a vibrant and highly regarded Uni. The first two years are at MCI with the third year at London Metropolitan where you graduate with a full BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Studies.
What does the course entail, and which subjects do you enjoy studying most? It focuses on Montessori curriculum, as well as Early Childhood subjects which include: child development and observation. There is coursework, written and practical exams. You also have to undertake teaching practice within a Montessori nursery.
What are the challenges with the course? There are many challenges, such as linking the theory with practice and lots of reading demands!
What are the careers prospects like for Montessori teachers? Montessori teachers are in greater demand today than they have ever been! The qualification is internationally recognized so there are lots of opportunity to live and work abroad, especially in North America, Middle East, Asia and Australia. You can work as a teacher in a variety of settings: private and state or become a nursery entrepreneur and open and manage your own chain of nurseries.
Where would you like to work what are your plans? I would like to work in the UK after I complete my degree for one year. I then plan to get a permanent job in a country in Middle East, where Montessori teachers are in high demand and a British degree is well regarded.
What would you say to other people interested in working with children and considering studying for a teaching qualification? You need to do your research and look into the right course for you. I am very excited about what the future holds for me as a Montessori teacher. www.montessori.org.uk
