METTC had very successful summer intensive sessions for multiple cohorts of adult learners. And in September, we began a unique "crash course" for Montessori Elementary Assistants. In this issue, we'll report on these programs and give you a forecast of the offerings to come in 2023.
Becoming a Certified Montessori Educator takes a huge commitment in time, money and dedicated effort. During Covid, out of necessity, METTC adopted a hybrid approach using technology until we could safely return to our signature method of in-person, immersive training on-site in Lexington MA. These sessions take place over an extended period away from family and in many cases, away from home. This reality begs the question:
What drives individuals to choose this type of training over other less demanding formats?
Why they do it!
We posed this question to several of the adult learners attending the Fall Seminar over the weekend of November 4-6, 2022 at Lexington Montessori School. Here are some of the responses:
Kayla Anthony
traveled from Phoenix in the summer of 2022 to begin the 9-12 Standalone training program and was back for the fall seminar. She achieved a better understanding and facility with the classroom materials due to the direct practice and coaching she got from the faculty. Especially important for her are the relationships she has formed with the other members of her cohort. Kayla praised the benefits of sharing concerns and solutions with colleagues she knows and know her. This kind of collegial relationship would not have been possible without face-to-face contact.
Stephanie Nichols
credits the staff of METTC with taking affirmative steps to encourage community building among the members of each learning cohort. The atmosphere of collaboration and openness produces a highly supportive group dynamic that continues when she returned to the classroom.
Each of the members of this group credited the faculty with welcoming expanded questioning and exploration. And they all emphasized the importance of the personal connection formed within the cohorts, one of mutual support and friendship that continues even after the training is over. These bonds are maintained and strengthened by sharing experiences and solutions made possible through a shared vocabulary and experiences.
METTC Montessori Assistant "Crash Course" very successful:
Spring Class Registration Open
The first full session of this specially focused course for Montessori Assistants was held during October of this year. It was well received. In fact, it was fully subscribed. In addition to presentation of essential information, the course encouraged discussion among attendees using suggestions such as these:
The feedback from the participants has been highly positive. Examples of the responses:
“So happy about this class tonight!!!! I needed to hear all of this”
“Please offer more during the year!!!”
“Agreed, this has been so helpful and inspiring!”