Montessori Assistant Toolkit: Elementary Edition
Tammy Oesting and Letty Rising
Training for Montessori Support Professionals (Ages 6-12)
Infant Toddler (ages 0-3) and Early Childhood (ages 3-6) editions are also available.
It's a common misperception that the Montessori assistant is embedded in the classroom to assist students in their learning.
In 6-12 Montessori classrooms, however, the assistant's key role is to assist the lead guide and prepare and maintain the classroom systems.
The paradigm shift from conventional education doesn't happen on its own, and lead guides rarely have the time to train assistants to be the support they truly need.
This course provides that essential training so that support professionals can be effective and successful in their role. They will be well equipped to prepare and maintain the learning environment, oversee the interpersonal dynamics of a learning community, and to support their lead guide in upholding the school and Montessori mission of amplifying the conditions for optimal learning.
The Montessori Assistant Toolkit: Elementary Edition includes:
▪️ Foundational tenets of learning including principles from the science of learning, child development, and Montessori Philosophy.
▪️ How the 6-12 year old child has unique characteristics and how to guide them effectively and respectfully.
▪️ How to prepare and maintain the Montessori 6-12 environment based on the lead guide’s wishes.
▪️ Holistic preparation as an adult in the environment and its direct impact on the well-being of students.
The Principles of Optimal Learning module examines the elements that make up a highly effective learning environment. After completing the lessons, participants will be able to contribute to the effective running of the classroom.
Topics in this module include:
▪️ Blueprint for Learning
▪️ Movement and Learning
▪️ Control and Order
▪️ Interest and Context
▪️ Motivation and Learning
▪️ Collaboration and Learning
▪️ Interactions and Learning
▪️ Course Summary and Takeaway Skills
This module introduces participants to Dr. Maria Montessori and her education philosophy. A sweeping overview of the history of pedagogical thought is also given to provide context for Dr. Montessori’s system, and its place within that history. After completing the lessons, participants will have a greater understanding of the Montessori method, and its unique unique and effective approach to teaching children.
Topics in this module include:
▪️ Blueprint for Learning
▪️ Evolution of Pedagogy
▪️ Dr. Montessori: Her Life and Work
▪️ Philosophical Tenets
▪️ Course Summary and Takeaway Skills
This workshop provides an overview of child development theories and relates them to Dr. Montessori’s educational method. Her familiarity with the theoretical material that came before her was augmented by her own insights from her observations of children. After completing the lessons, participants will have a better understanding of the foundations of the Montessori Method and be able to contribute to the effective running of the classroom.
Topics in this module include:
▪️ Blueprint for Learning
▪️ Developmental Theorists
▪️ Brain Research
▪️ Research to Practice
▪️ Course Summary and Takeaway Skills
This module introduces the keystone skill of observation. Observing children as they interact with the learning environment and other people provides the necessary information to abide by the Montessori maxim “follow the child.”
Topics in this module include:
▪️ Blueprint for Learning
▪️ The Keystone Concept
▪️ Scientists in the Field
▪️ The C.O.R.E. of Observation
▪️ Observation Practices
▪️ Course Summary and Takeaway Skills
This module examines the classroom environment, including both physical and social elements, and its importance in the Montessori method. Covering topics such as the significance of arrangement, the emotional tone of the class, and aesthetic principles for order and beauty, it highlights the steps necessary to create an optimal learning environment.
Topics in this module include:
▪️ Blueprint for Learning
▪️ Role of the Environment
▪️ Order in the Environment
▪️ Beauty and Movement
▪️ The Cognitive Environment
▪️ The Social, Emotional, and Spiritual Environment
▪️ Course Summary and Takeaway Skills
This module covers best practices for adult/child interactions in the classroom. Participants will learn the unique characteristics of the 6-12 year old child and how to support their development of social-emotional regulation and skills.
Topics in this module include:
▪️ Blueprint for Learning
▪️ Discover the Child
▪️ Root Causes of Behavior
▪️ The Guides
▪️ Child Guidance
▪️ Nurture Independence
▪️ Montessori Decalogue
▪️ Course Summary and Takeaway Skills
This module provides a variety of tips to help adults succeed in a Montessori environment. It covers topics such as professionalism, communicating with parents, professional development, and taking time for self-care. It is geared to anyone that is working in a learning environment that needs coaching in best practices for job success and would be especially beneficial to those new in their position.
Topics in this module include:
▪️ Blueprint for Learning
▪️ Professionalism
▪️ Communication
▪️ Nurturing Your Spirit
▪️ Professional Development
▪️ Course Summary and Takeaway Skills
A certificate of completion for 20 hours is provided. Learn more about certificates here.
This course is eligible for a CEU upgrade from Loyola University- Aspire for an additional fee.
Tammy Oesting
Tammy is cofounder and a trainer for ClassrooMechanics, and cofounder of Principles to Practice (with Trillium Montessori), both Montessori professional development companies. Tammy holds AMS-credentials for Early Childhood and Elementary I – II and has extensive experience as an instructor, field consultant, and workshop presenter. Her focus is on optimizing classroom performance by making professional development relevant, accessible, and effective.
Letty Rising
Letty Rising has been involved in Montessori education for over 15 years. She holds a B.A. in Sociology, a California State Teaching Credential, and an AMI elementary diploma for ages 6-12 and an M.Ed from Loyola University in Maryland. She has held positions as a Homeschool Education Specialist, Montessori Elementary Teacher, School Director, Principal, Montessori Coordinator, and Consultant in several public and private Montessori school communities throughout the years. She currently supports schools around the world through professional development offerings, consulting, and mentoring.
▪️ Assistant Toolkit User Manual (PDF): Dozens of exercises and resources to help you make the most of the course.
▪️ Power Tools (PDF): Handy quick reference guides with actionable tips for the classroom
▪️ Supporting Classroom Assistants (workshop): A bonus 50 min workshop to share with your lead teacher. Designed to provide the leader of a Montessori learning environment with the insights and skills needed to guide a support the work of their classroom assistants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this course for?
This course is for any and all staff supporting Montessori 6-12 environments including Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Content Specialists, Administrators, Volunteers, Substitutes, and even Board Members who strive to better understand the communities for which they make decisions. It is not a substitute for lead teacher training.
Homeschoolers may find some aspects of this course helpful, but it is primarily for professionals. The Infancy-Toddlerhood edition is best for adults in a classroom setting for 0-3 year olds, and the Early Childhood edition is best for those who work with 3-6 year olds.
When does the course start and finish?
This is a self-paced course. Once you sign up, you can watch the videos and complete the suggested activities at your own pace. We recommend that you allow yourself at least one week per module. You have access to the content for one year.
How long do I have access to the course?
After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for at least one year.
Is this a live workshop?
No. This course consists of pre-recorded video lectures and recommended exercises. You may view the videos as many times as desired at your convenience for at least one year.
How much access do I have to the instructors? Can I ask them questions?
This course is not priced for access to the instructor.
Is this a MACTE accredited course?
No. This is an on-demand online course and does not include the timed and in-person components required for MACTE accreditation.
Will I receive a Certificate of Attendance?
You can get a certificate of attendance for 20 hours by request. You will need to answer questions about the course and fill out a request form. You will receive a PDF certificate via email. Read more about certificates of attendance HERE. IMPORTANT: Some licensing agencies do not accept credits for online courses that are done on-demand. If you are counting on the credits being accepted, please consult with your licensing agency before purchasing.
How do the group registrations work?
Group registrations allow the buyer to purchase on behalf of one or more users. Once you purchase a group registration, we will send you access links to share with your staff members. This step may take up to 72 hours since we have to do it manually. Your staff will use those links to create their own accounts on the course platform and get access to the course contents at no additional charge. They may watch the videos and go through the recommended exercises at their convenience. They may watch the videos as many times as they want, whenever they want. They have access for one year. If the buyer wants to view the content, they will have to redeem one of the access links. We do not have a way for the buyer to monitor the progress of any users.
I do not see a pricing option for the number of participants I would like to register. What should I do?
Please contact [email protected] and let us know how many people you would like to register for this course. We will send you a custom invoice.
Is there a bulk pricing discount for purchasing any variation of the toolkit editions?
The toolkits are all different courses. Bulk pricing discounts are not available when purchasing registrations across different editions.
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