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If you would like your information added to the directory, please give Mrs. Bass, acting principal , the following information: Information needed: parents' names student(s) name and room number(s) address home and/or cell phone numbers email address

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- < 9 The Role of the Teacher

A number of years ago, I read a paper written by a Montessori intern (student teacher) I was supervising. The opening sentence of her paper, while sounding rather dramatic, is nonetheless quite true and one that I continue to quote: “The responsibilities of a Montessori directress (teacher) are many, her preparation is crucial, and her effect upon the lives of her students is lasting.” The responsibilities of the teacher in a Montessori setting fall into three main categories. Above all, she is a role model. She is the conscious intelligence in the environment. She manages the classroom by introducing and enforcing the “ground rules,” which outline the expected behavior of the students. She encourages and reinforces behavior that is positive. She is the protector of the rights of the children in her care. These include the right to work undisturbed, the right to be independent, the right to develop as a person, and the right to have freedom of movement. A Montessori teacher is also the caretaker of the environment. In his year of training and internship, he learns how to prepare it daily with activities that will capture the various levels of development represented by the student body. It is also his duty to create external order which, in turn, facilitates internal order for the child. He makes sure the environment (classroom) is neat and tidy and that the materials are complete, arranged in sequence and put away correctly. The ground rules and prepared environment are the child’s aid to self-control and inner discipline. Especially true in the Children’s House, once the child has internalized the rules and becomes self-regulated, the teacher can focus on his or her most unique role - that of observer. It takes much thought and practice to take the child from where he is to where he is going, so the teacher must be acutely aware of the stages of development. The teacher is continuously making judgements; determining when to assist, when to present the next material in the sequence, when to stand back and let the child work on his or her own. The teacher carefully keeps records of each child’s progress. The teacher must always be open, flexible and sensitive to the needs of the child. Overall, the teacher is there is to assist and nourish each child as he or she grows and develops.

~Mohamed Ahmad

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One of the best things about the Montessori Method of education is the creation and nurturing of a respectful atmosphere for our children. Our responsibility as the adults in their environment is to model that respectful behavior at all times and in all situations. Our hope is that the children are being encouraged to be respectful outside of school as well. Just before winter break, we received an open letter from a parent who expressed concern that many of the valet rules and guidelines were being violated at drop off and pick up. The parent’s main concern was for the safety of the children. The issue was a car jumping the line and cutting off about six vehicles and blocking in several. An unpleasant exchange of words followed when a parent asked the offender to move his vehicle forward. To quote the letter, “I have been a Brookfield parent for the last five years. I have never seen such a deliberate, shameful act…” “We parents need to learn first how to behave, obey and follow before expecting that from our children. We need to set an example for our children to follow.” Please be considerate when in line for valet and follow the rules. Please be patient and understanding. Remember that your children look to you for example. Thank you.

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