The Role
Of The Adult
More than a teacher.
The role of the adult in a Montessori environment is complex and multi-faceted.
The adult supports children's physical, emotional, social, linguistic and intellectual development while also caring for the prepared environment and the wider school community.
Rather than constantly directing the child, the adult observes carefully and provides support when it is genuinely needed.
To aid life is the basic task of the educator.
Maria MontessoriThe Role of the Lead Guide
Observe
The guide carefully observes the children and their development, using those observations to understand when support or guidance may be appropriate.
Connect
The adult acts as a link between the child and the prepared environment, connecting children with materials and opportunities for meaningful work.
Guide
The guide presents lessons, encourages independence and knows when to step forward and when to allow the child to continue independently.
Prepare
The adult prepares an environment that allows children to explore, concentrate, practise skills and gradually become more independent.
Prepare the Environment
A prepared space
One of the guide's important responsibilities is to prepare and maintain a safe, clean, well-organised and inviting learning environment.
Furniture, materials, activities and supplies need to be considered carefully so that children can access what they need and work independently.
Supporting independence
The environment should respond to children's needs and interests while allowing them to take increasing responsibility for their own activity.
Daily routines and simple expectations help create a peaceful atmosphere where children can concentrate and work together harmoniously.
Role 2 — Administration
Faculty
Building cooperative professional relationships with colleagues and contributing to meetings, workshops and professional activities.
Coordination
Working with colleagues across different levels helps create continuity and supports children's future development.
Admissions
Depending on the school, teachers may participate in meetings with prospective families and contribute to the admissions process.
Communication
Communication with school management, specialists and colleagues is an important part of the adult's wider responsibilities.
Professional Development
Montessori communities, workshops, conferences and continuing learning help guides develop their professional practice.
Attendance
Recording attendance and maintaining appropriate records are also part of the administrative role.
Working with Parents
Parents are a child's first teachers. Developing open and constructive relationships with families is therefore an important part of the Montessori guide's role.
Communication creates a connection between the classroom and home and gives parents opportunities to understand the Montessori approach.
The Child comes first.
In a Montessori environment the adult is not intended to remain the constant centre of attention. Instead, the adult observes children and decides how and when support is needed.
Classroom
Management
Classroom management is an important responsibility of the guide. The adult balances freedom with appropriate guidance so that children can work peacefully and concentrate.
An effective Montessori environment has a calm atmosphere, purposeful activity and clear expectations.
The guide observes the group, anticipates difficulties and provides direction when necessary.
The goal is to maintain an environment where concentration, independence, collaboration and respect can develop.
Creating the conditions for independence.
The role of the adult extends beyond presenting lessons. The guide prepares the environment, supports children, communicates with families and helps create the conditions in which independence and concentration can develop.