I want to be a nursery teacher. Shall I go for Montessori ???

Question

I really want to teach young children (1 or 2 years old to 5y). I am acheving my Child Care & Education Diploma in England and I want to go for teaching in nurseries (I'm 25 and have a degree from France, so I can go straight for PGCE) I'm interested in the Montessory system, but NOT SURE at all if I should go for it. Can anyone give me any advice?

Does anyone know about the salary: better in Montessory or worst?

Answer 1

Montessori is excellent; any preschool would welcome your credentials. Not much pay, but the 'people kittens' make up for that--you know how charming they can be. (It's surprising the behavior of some grown-ups mimics that of 4-year-olds!) Best wishes in your career!

Answer 2

The role of a Montessori teacher is very different than that of a traditional teacher.  There is a lot of work that goes into preparing the environment, creating the materials, and making up individual lesson plans for each child as well as group lesson plans for each level.  

My advice to you would be to learn about the differences between a Montessori classroom and a traditional classroom.  Observe a class, talk to the teachers, etc.  Make sure it really is for you before you bother getting the training.  

As for the pay, the difference isnt Montessori vs Traditional, it is Private school vs Public school salary.  Most Montessori schools are private.

Personally, I love Montessori and would never teach in a traditional setting.  Good luck!

Answer 3

Montessori takes a lot longer to train for but if you have the time you are then covered for montessori schools and any other regular nurseries.  In the US there is a high demand for teachers b/c there are few teachers who go for the training, I'm not sure how it is in England.  In the US the salary is about the same because most nurseries are private that are Montessori.

Answer 4

Realize that Montessori presents a completely different viewpoint on teaching children.  If you want to take the training to become a Montessori teacher, it is well worth doing.

I think if you want to take the training to become another type of teacher, it will not be worthwhile.  

If you want to be a Montessori teacher, you will not enjoy a regular classroom as much.  If you want to be a regular teacher, the Montessori training will just be a waste of time and money as compared to other options out there.

That said, investigate Montessori and see if it's the type of teacher you want to be.  At the very least, you will be impressed with what you see happening.

My 2 cents.

Matt

Answer 5

The least important part of your question has to do with  the salaries of Montessori teachers. If you are thinking in terms of making lots of money, early childhood education is probably not the best choice for you.

In Montessori the adult works more as a facilitator than a teacher. If you feel the need to be very directive, then Montessori may not be a good fit for you.

I would advise you to visit Montessori schools to observe how the adults work with the children.

You should also visit sites that tell you more about the Montessori method.

www.montessori.org

www.montessori.edu

Answer 6

My Question for you is do you want to sit back and watch the children learn or do you want to participate in each child's activities?