Tips for Getting Your First Job as a Montessori Teacher
Do you dream of teaching in a Montessori school? Using the Montessori method to teach children can be rewarding and meaningful work.Â
Getting your first job as a Montessori teacher requires patience and determination. While each person’s journey is unique, most people follow a general pathway. If you’re wondering how to get started, take a look at these tips for getting your first job as a Montessori teacher.
Explore Job Openings at Montessori Schools
Before you start your journey to becoming a Montessori teacher, consider your dream job. Where would you like to work? Each school has unique requirements for Montessori teachers. For example, early childhood centers may require a certificate, while elementary school teachers may require a bachelor’s degree.Â
Identifying the requirements of your ideal teaching job can help you plan how to achieve a similar job. Based on the requirements, create a plan to meet them by completing education and gaining workplace experience.Â
Complete Montessori Teacher Training: Online or In-Person
Completing a Montessori teacher training program will help prepare you for a career as a Montessori teacher. Through a Montessori teacher training program, you’ll gain foundational knowledge of the Montessori curriculum and methodology and essential skills that you’ll need as a teacher.Â
Today, there are many Montessori teacher training options including online, hybrid, and in-person programs.Â
When seeking out a Montessori teacher training program, consider the following:
- Grade Level: While some Montessori teacher training programs focus on early childhood years, others focus on elementary years, or older children. Choose a program that matches your goals as a teacher.Â
In any Montessori training program, you’ll learn the basics of the Montessori philosophy. Although specific materials may change based on the age of the children, the methodology and philosophy are the same.Â
- Program Length: Take the program length into account in your plans. Some introductory programs may be as short as a few weeks or months. Others may last a year or longer.Â
There are advantages and disadvantages to both. While a longer program may be more complete, it requires a longer investment. A shorter program can offer an excellent introduction to Montessori teaching, helping you decide if it’s the right career path for you. You might decide to complete a shorter program to learn more before delving into a more comprehensive certification.Â
- Outcomes and Certifications: Learn about the outcomes teacher training programs offer. Some offer diplomas or certifications that will help you meet Montessori teacher requirements.Â
Based on the above information, choose a Montessori training program that best fits your goals. You’ll be one step closer to becoming a Montessori teacher.Â
Seek Out a Mentor
A mentor is someone who can help you make decisions and support you on your path to becoming a Montessori teacher. Your mentor might be someone you meet during your training program, an employer, or a friend. This is someone you can ask for advice about career decisions. Plus, you might ask your mentor to help you improve your skills as a Montessorian.Â
Consider Completing an Internship or Volunteering
You can gain valuable teaching experience during an internship or while volunteering. Within a short period of volunteering, you can see a Montessori classroom in action and learn from the lead guide.Â
For example, you might volunteer as a classroom assistant once a week at a local Montessori school. Schools often need hands-on support to read with students, prepare lessons, or tutor students who need extra help.Â
Internship programs are also available, giving you the chance to gain additional mentorship from experienced Montessori teachers. Similar to applying for a job, most internships require candidates to apply for the position.Â
Yet another option is to apply to work as a classroom assistant. In most schools, assistants aren’t required to hold the same certifications as a teacher. This means you can observe and work within a Montessori classroom. As an assistant, you’ll contribute to children’s education and also get the benefit of learning from expert, lead teachers.Â
Gain Essential Teaching Skills
In-classroom experiences such as internships and volunteering will help you gain essential skills you can’t learn through training programs that focus on theoretical concepts. For example, you’ll learn how to implement classroom management strategies. Plus, you’ll learn the best moment to introduce lessons to children and get the chance to observe childhood development in action.Â
Even more importantly for your career, you’ll learn the characteristics a Montessori teacher should have. For example, Montessori teachers always show respect for children in a unique way by observing their work and avoiding interruptions. Through practice and observation, you can learn how to interact with children as a Montessori teacher.Â
Apply for Jobs at Several Montessori Schools
When you meet the requirements, it’s time to start applying for jobs as a Montessori teacher. As with any job, it’s wise to apply to several teaching positions to find the best fit.Â
The goal is to get your first teaching job and gain experience. So, depending on what’s available in your area, you may consider being open to jobs that aren’t strictly Montessori. For example, you might work at a daycare, an early childhood learning center, or a school that doesn’t necessarily use the Montessori philosophy. Later, you can use your experience as leverage to apply for a position at a Montessori school later.Â
Prepare for Interviews
As you apply for your first job as a Montessori teacher, it’s also time to prepare for interviews. To prepare, try role-playing with someone you trust. Ideally, you can practice with your mentor. Some common questions an interviewer may ask include:
- What is your teaching philosophy?
- Tell me about your past teaching experience.Â
- What is your biggest strength?
- How do you handle discipline in the classroom?
- Which is your favorite Montessori material and why?
- How do you prepare the classroom for your students?
- What tracking methods of student progress are you familiar with?Â
- Tell me about your favorite part of working with students.
- Tell me about a challenge you encountered while working as a teacher and how you overcame it.Â
Finding Your Path to Becoming a Montessori Teacher
Every person’s journey to becoming a Montessori teacher is unique. With the above tips, you can discover the right steps of your journey. Before you know it, you will be preparing for your first day of work as a Montessori teacher.Â
Start your path today with Montessori Professional Training Canada. We offer in-person teacher training Calgary, as well as online and hybrid options.Â
Get in touch with any questions or to sign up for your first course! We look forward to guiding you along your path to becoming a Montessori teacher.
