Today I was graced with the most lovely opportunity to observe a teacher intern in one of our classrooms. MCS has the ongoing opportunity to support and host adult interns seeking Montessori certification at all levels. The process of a teacher receiving Montessori training is as well developed a system as the Montessori method itself. Following an intense period of study of Montessori theory, history, methodology, didactic training and classroom management, an intern spends 1-2 years engaged in a teaching practicum (internship). During this initial experience as a teacher, with a wealth of newfound understanding and insight to the child and its environment, the teacher goes through the magical process of implementation under the direction of a master teacher.
Maria Montessori said “The teacher, when she begins to work in our schools, must have a kind of faith that the child will reveal himself through the work. She must free herself from all preconceived ideas concerning the levels at which the children may be.”
The process of having absolute faith in our little ones to develop in their own time, in their own way, and to their most authentic selves takes absolute faith. We let go of our own egos to allow for the child’s great awakening. I will never forget my own hours of study…learning precisely how each material is to be presented, memorizing the sequence and curriculum, identifying sensitive periods in the children, writing lesson plans only to be erased and re-written, and discovering the meaning behind “preparation of the environment”. Those hours paled in comparison to the spiritual awakening and rebirth of self that I am honored to experience on a daily basis at MCS.
And so today I applaud all those who have themselves engaged in this transformation process. Hosting interns means that MCS is a place for adult learning, teacher collaboration and exposure to ongoing research. Additional kudos to those master teachers who commit themselves to the process of guiding these new interns; an ongoing process of renewal and one of the beautiful experiences that brings MCS together as community.
