Careers
The Montessori teacher is a guide who helps direct his/her student’s activities academically, spiritually, emotionally, and physically, in a prepared Montessori environment that challenges each child to reach his/her fullest potential in these areas, in accordance with the Montessori philosophy.
The role of the teachers at Rivendale differs considerably from that of the traditional teacher. She is, first of all, a very keen observer of the individual interests and needs of each child, and her daily work proceeds from her observations rather than from a prepared curriculum. She demonstrates the correct use of materials as they are individually chosen by children. She carefully watches the progress of each child’s and keeps good records of his work with the materials. She is trained to recognize periods of readiness. Sometimes she must divert a child’s who has chosen a material which is beyond his ability; at other times she must encourage a child’s who becomes hesitant. Whenever a child makes a mistake, she refrains, if possible, from intervening and allows him to discover his own error through further manipulation of the self- correcting material. This procedure follows Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy that the child learns through experience.
The role of the Montessori teacher is not to entertain or mold a child, but to provide a place, guidance, and support for the growing and developing person.
